What does it take to build a thriving tech recruitment company while navigating the challenges of being a female entrepreneur? Christina Lock, founder of Catch Talent, pulls back the curtain on her remarkable 10-year journey in Charleston's evolving "Silicon Harbor" ecosystem.

Starting as the second employee at software company Spark before launching her own venture, Christina shares how she took just three days between leaving her previous role and founding Catch Talent. With refreshing candor, she describes her business as her "middle child," revealing the delicate balancing act of growing a company while expanding her family and the support systems that made it possible.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Christina dismantles outdated notions about workplace culture. Forget ping pong tables and beer kegs—today's top talent seeks meaningful relationships with managers, opportunities for feedback, and a genuine sense of impact. This insight comes from someone who's seen both sides of the recruitment equation, having worked both agency-side and in-house before founding her own firm.

Mount Pleasant emerges as a key player in this story. Once dismissed as merely a "bring your own job" market, the area has transformed into a vibrant hub for entrepreneurs at various stages. Christina's leadership as past chairperson of the Harbor Entrepreneur Center, which now hosts over 100 companies on its 18-acre campus, has helped fuel this evolution. She also provides valuable insights into the complementary resources offered by organizations like the Entrepreneurs Organization (EO), allowing business owners to "choose their adventure" based on their growth stage.

Whether you're building a business, seeking to attract top talent, or simply curious about how Charleston became "Silicon Harbor," this conversation offers practical wisdom from someone who's been integral to the region's transformation. Subscribe to Building Business for more conversations with the entrepreneurs and leaders shaping our business community.

Presenting Sponsor: Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce

Studio Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions

Production Sponsor: RMBO.co

Design Sponsor: DK Design

Committee:
Kathleen Herrmann | Host | MPCC Immediate Past President | Mount Pleasant Towne Centre
Mike Compton | Co-host | Marketing Chair | RMBO.co
Rebecca Imholz | Co-host | MPCC Executive Director
Amanda Bunting Comen | Co-host | Social ABCs
Ben Nesvold | Co-host | In-coming President | Edward Jones