Connector Spotlight: Elli Cohen
January 28, 2022
Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

“It’s a great day to save change lives” is a modified version of a famous quote from one of Elli Cohen‘s guilty pleasure TV shows, Grey’s Anatomy. As our Talent Acquisition Specialist, she has changed the lives of so many talented individuals. Elli has helped recruit over 100 new Connectors to join our mission to build better products, and, we have to admit, the cookies and challah she makes are pretty life-changing too!
Tell us a bit about the projects you’re working on.
The beginning of the year is always exciting! We’re gearing up to make some incredible hires in 2022 and a big part of that is participating in impactful recruiting events, such as WomenHack. As we get bigger as a company, I have more opportunities to collaborate with different teams as well, which I really enjoy.
What’s the most interesting challenge about the project?
One of the changes that Connected made this past year was moving to remote-fist. We believe our talented Connectors can work from anywhere in Canada. The best part is that it directly impacts where we can hire from, and expanding the Connected brand coast-to-coast has unlocked new untapped markets for us to recruit talent.
Where did you work prior to Connected?
Before I joined the Connected team last year, I worked at CSC Generation, a company that helps transform stores and catalogue based retailers into digital first brands. A big priority of my role was to build out their tech team across Canada which I enjoyed, and I’m glad I get to pursue this for Connected with the Talent team.
What achievement are you most proud of in your career to date?
I know it sounds cliché for me to say everything but it’s completely honest. I joined Connected six months ago and I have seen this team work so hard and grow tremendously. I love that I get to be a part of it all. I especially love that there are no signs of slowing down. Everyday is a chance to achieve new goals and create new opportunities, and that makes me proud of the impact I get to chase here.
Do you have a mantra you live by?
Progress, not perfection.
What do you love to do outside of work?
I love experimenting in the kitchen, especially when it comes to baking! Lately, I have been working on perfecting my different cookie and challah recipes. I am also an avid reader, love attending spin classes, enjoy watching TV and movies, and I always make time to spend with my friends and family.
If you were stuck on a deserted island, what album, movie, and book would you take with you?
If you know me, then you know I can’t go a day without listening to All Too Well (10 Minute Version) by Taylor Swift so I’d have to pick Red (Taylor’s Version). As for books, I just finished The Midnight Library by Matt Haig and I can’t stop thinking about it, so let’s go with that one. I saw Gashin pick a TV series instead of a movie so I’m going to follow in her footsteps and pick a TV series. I feel like all 18 seasons of Grey’s Anatomy might be where the line gets drawn so I’m taking all 7 seasons of Gilmore Girls. Not the Netflix revival though, that can stay on its own deserted island.
Describe yourself in three words.
Ambitious, thoughtful, and fun.
And finally, what is your favourite product and why?
Right now it would have to be my Ember mug. A couple months ago, Connected sent us one in our winter holiday packages. I didn’t think it was something I needed, but as someone who is constantly drinking coffee (in copious amounts like Lorelai Gilmore) it has become an absolute must in my day-to-day life. I love it.
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