Some call him a whistleblower, but the CEO of NodeFlair just wants a job search that’s transparent but fair, agile yet impactful 

“The journey to where I am today at NodeFlair has been anything but straightforward. As someone who spends his time helping tech professionals land their dream roles, I see myself not merely as a recruiter but as a connector — a guide through the complex terrain of career development. I help them navigate uncertainties, set realistic expectations, and push the boundaries of what they think is possible. 

And surprisingly enough, we only get paid when it all works out. 

Imagine spending months aligning a perfect candidate with a position, only to have it fall through at the last moment. It’s like crafting a work of art only for it to vanish — heartbreaking, yes, but ultimately a valuable experience that sharpens us for the next challenge.

Over time, I’ve learned to embrace this unpredictability. Every lost opportunity, every frustrating close-call — they’re stepping stones towards something better, part of a broader tapestry that weaves itself through the triumphs and letdowns of the recruitment world. Sure, we have our ups and downs, but these interactions help us build relationships, expand our understanding of market trends, and ultimately assist someone else on their path. 

Knowing you’re part of a more extensive process is an odd kind of joy, even if it doesn’t always pay off in immediate wins. And honestly, what would we at NodeFlair be doing without those challenges here anyway? A math professor without problems to solve is an unfortunate professor indeed — and it’s not so different in recruitment.

Why the work matters

People often describe me as a career consultant — an advisor sharing insights, offering guidance, and acting as a sounding board through the many layers of their job search. The gratitude of these individuals reassures me I’m on the right path — that the sleepless nights and the times I’ve agonised over someone’s prospects are worth it. 

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Some even call me a whistleblower because I reveal the inner dynamics of organisations that aren’t visible from the outside. All I’m doing is striving to be as transparent as possible, to shine a light on the unique cultures of the companies I work with — but I’m careful to strike a balance, to remain fair, understanding that a singular narrative can sum up no organisation.

At NodeFlair, while hiring is one of our key thrusts, retention is equally important. We ensure expectations between candidates and companies are aligned from the outset, fostering transparency around salary, roles, and growth opportunities, which is essential for both parties. We want to create a hiring process that benefits everyone involved — something I believe is achievable and necessary today.

The truth is, the work I do matters because, for too long, people have had to rely on unreliable career and salary data — making job hunting feel like shooting arrows in the dark. Imagine enduring five rounds of interviews only to discover a complete mismatch in salary expectations. It’s ridiculous, and it shouldn’t be happening. 

Just as you wouldn’t pick a product off the shelf without knowing its price, job seekers should have access to salary information from the start. At NodeFlair, our goal is to make that process smoother, to save candidates time, and to enable them to make confident decisions about their future.

If success were guaranteed, the highest ideal would be to transform NodeFlair into the definitive career partner for tech professionals and companies worldwide — a trusted source of data and insight that the industry relies on. This vision’s core is transparency, trust, and empowerment — making the job market efficient and fair for everyone. 

It’s a vision that we’re working towards on a smaller scale here in Singapore and one we hope to expand globally. Already, we’re seeing our efforts make an impact, and the testimonies from users, those moments of genuine gratitude, bring me joy and keep me going.

What success means to me

But it’s not always easy — far from it. An overwhelming uncertainty comes with building a company like NodeFlair, particularly when you’re the one people look to for direction. There have been times we came close to bankruptcy when sharing those harsh realities with my team felt like shattering their hope.

Yet, transparency is essential to me — I owe them that. It’s a constant balancing act: honesty about where we stand while striving to keep morale intact. I’m lucky, though — my team’s loyalty and faith, even in the darkest moments, have indeed been a blessing.

Looking back, if I could call myself up the night before I decided to take on this role, I’d offer three pieces of advice. First, be prepared for a marathon, not a sprint — building something meaningful takes time, and it’s a journey you’ll need patience to endure.

Second, find time to reflect — give yourself moments of quiet to think deeply about whether this is what you want to do for the long haul. And finally, trust your team — you can’t do it all alone, and the people around you will be what makes or breaks your journey.

Ultimately, when I think about success, I think about the lives we’ve impacted. I’m proud of how NodeFlair has transformed the tech ecosystem, helping countless professionals make smarter career choices with the tools and insights we provide. I think of the friendships formed along the way — how my colleagues have gone from being just a team to a community I cherish. 

I’ve seen teammates grow, marry, and have children — these human moments make the struggles worthwhile. And that’s what gives me hope: the way people are now seeking meaning in their work, prioritising values over paychecks, and turning interviews into genuine conversations.

It tells me that the future of work is one where people’s aspirations are at the forefront — and that’s a future I’m excited to be part of.”