.svg){kind=icon}
Contingent Workforce veteran Brett Klinker joins Erika Novak to discuss five lessons learned from 10 years in the industry. They chat about the role of relationships as currency in influencing decisions, consensus-building for effective advocacy, and integrity-driven collaboration. Brett has witnessed the evolution of CW, having been at an MSP, on the client side, and working with partners in every role.
Highlights from the discussion:
Relationships Are Currency
Success in contingent workforce programs hinges on building trust—internally with stakeholders and externally with suppliers. Favoritism often drives decisions, so make sure you’re known, respected, and liked.
You Need Echoes to Your Voice
Don't advocate for change alone. Build a coalition with Finance, the Business, and other partners. Alignment multiplies your impact and helps shift resistant systems.
Mend Your Mindset: Enable, Don’t Enforce
Coming from an MSP background, Brett had to unlearn the “compliance cop” mentality. The goal isn’t to control managers—it’s to empower the business and support progress.
Collaborate, Don’t Crush, Your Partners
Vendors are not your enemy. Earlier in his career, Brett admits he was unnecessarily harsh. Now he prioritizes mutual respect, recognizing that program success depends on healthy partnerships.
Integrity Is Your Brand
Mistakes happen—own them. Brett shares how taking responsibility (including a $6M invoicing error) built unmatched credibility. When your word is trusted, your influence grows.