A Day in the Life of Ruairi Spillane

Ruairi immigrated to Canada in February 2008. Initially working in finance, he became frustrated with the industry after the Global Financial Crisis and wanted to do something more meaningful. Ruairi began researching the success factors that allowed newcomers to settle quicker and realised that access to independent, quality information about immigration, settlement, and employment had a huge impact on newcomers’ transition to life in Canada.

Instead of being another gatekeeper of information (immigration, employment and settlement agencies that monetize information), Ruairi set out to change the game and build a free, independent information platform, working with partners who value being a part of the newcomer experience. In 2012, Moving2Canada.com was born. In the decade since, millions of people around the world have used Moving2Canada to learn more about Canada and the success factors that go into building a dream life there.

Ruairi’s other business, Outpost Recruitment, also has a distinct newcomer focus - placing international talent with Canada’s leading construction and engineering firms.

Winner of the 2019 Best Immigrant Entrepreneur award by BC Small Business

Q 1 How does your normal day begin?

Much of my work overlaps with Ireland / Europe and most of our team are in Eastern Canada so I typically start my working day at 8:00 AM and take personal time later in the day. In summer months I have much better balance and start my day with a run / swim.

Q 2 What are your biggest daily challenges?

Prioritization. There’s huge demand for Canada given it can offer great opportunities and excellent lifestyle but we’re razor focused on working with candidates who are pro-active and willing to put the time and effort into the process.

Q 3 What do you love most about your job?

Freedom of time and location. I started remote working in 2012 and never looked back. Being able to spend a few months in Ireland every year with family and friends is a dream come true as I get the best of both worlds.

Q 4 What do you do to relax? Anything outdoors helps me switch off…snowboarding, yoga, cycling, hiking, golf, camping… Vancouver is unique given you can golf, ski and sail / kayak all in the one day. We have big mountains that are snow-capped all year round.

Q 5 Favourite staycation destination in Ireland and why? Visiting home, the Gap of Dunloe in the Kingdom. I wish I’d appreciated the slow pace of Kerry more when I was younger!

Q 6 Favourite holiday destination worldwide?

Hawaii - always wondered if it would meet my expectations and it did. Only explored Maui so far (two trips) and there are so many different islands!

Q 7 Favourite Business motto? Fortune favours the brave.

Q 8 Advice for young businesses entering the tourism industry Life begins outside your comfort zone. Learn to embrace vulnerability and failure.