On Media Champions, our host Greg Kirkham speaks with experts and professionals from across the country operating in the media space. In this segment, Greg speaks with Alanna Dunbar of ML6 Search + Talent Advisory.
ML6 Search + Talent Advisory is a leading recruitment firm specializing in Mining, Engineering, Technology, Scientific, and Corporate sectors. We partner with dynamic organizations across North America to build extraordinary teams, leveraging our deep industry knowledge, innovative recruitment processes, and a commitment to delivering exceptional results.
What is your BEST service?
Digital (SEO, SEM, PPC)
What was your first job in Media?
My first job in media was as a Marketing Specialist at a recruitment firm based in Vancouver. This experience opened my eyes to the unique challenges and opportunities within the recruitment industry. I was responsible for creating targeted marketing campaigns, developing employer branding strategies, and using data-driven insights to elevate the firm’s online presence. It was here that I found my niche in recruitment marketing—a space where I could combine creativity, strategy, and the human element of hiring to make a real impact. This role laid the foundation for my career, and it has fueled my drive to innovate and optimize recruitment marketing ever since.
What is the biggest change in marketing that you see coming in the next 2 years?
In the next two years, I think the biggest shift in marketing will be the growing influence of AI and automation. We’ll see marketers using AI to create more personalized, data-driven content and strategies that speak directly to individual customers. It’s going to allow for smarter, faster decision-making and more targeted campaigns. However, as automation takes over more of the day-to-day tasks, I believe there will be a stronger focus on maintaining a human touch—making sure that even with all the tech, the messaging feels authentic and connected to real people. Finding that balance between efficiency and genuine connection will be key to standing out in this new era of marketing.
List any trade organizations or groups that you belong to, if any:
Canadian Conservation Photographers Collective
Why is it important for a business to hire an outside ad agency as opposed to having just an internal marketing director?
Bringing in an outside ad agency can make a huge difference because it allows a business to tap into expertise that’s hard to maintain in-house. In our case, we work with an agency to handle things like website maintenance and backend development. This lets me focus on what I do best—strategy, content creation, email automation, and running campaigns—without worrying about the technical side. It’s all about freeing up time to focus on the bigger picture and making sure our marketing efforts are as effective as possible while the agency keeps everything running smoothly in the background.
What is one tip that you would give when it comes to digital marketing?
One tip I’d give for digital marketing is to focus on consistency and adaptability. It’s crucial to consistently deliver valuable content to your audience, whether through email, social media, or your website. But equally important is being adaptable—keeping an eye on performance metrics and being ready to pivot when something isn’t working. Digital marketing changes quickly, so staying flexible while maintaining a steady stream of engaging content is key to staying ahead.
What percent of your advertising service offerings does traditional media buying make up?
Traditional media buying makes up a small portion of our advertising service offerings. Our focus is primarily on digital marketing, organic content, and leveraging tools like SEMrush and Google Analytics to drive results
