At Untapped Potential, we bridge the gap between exceptional talent and the businesses that need it. Our approach is rooted in creating win-win scenarios for returners—professionals re-entering the workforce after a caregiving hiatus—and forward-thinking companies seeking to diversify their teams. Below, we outline the keyways we work with our business clients to achieve these outcomes.
1) Flexreturn™ Engagement Services
Our signature Flexreturn™ Engagement Services are designed to meet both the Candidate and Business Client where they are. We invite business leaders to host a returner in a mid-career internship, providing an opportunity for experienced talent to re-enter the workforce while addressing immediate business needs.
How it works: We work to understand your business needs and future, potential roles. We'll put forward Candidates with skills and experience that align to your specified skills, logistical requirements as well as future culture goals. A Mentor Host from your entity is assigned to support the Candidate’s onboarding and ensure a smooth integration into the team. The Flexreturn™ engagement is a fixed-term, project-based engagement (nominally 12 weeks in duration with an average of 20 hours per week through the period) at a fixed price of $10,000. The duration and level of effort can be prorated as agreed upon by all parties.
This method delivers incredible value to both the Client and the Candidate. For businesses, it’s a chance to tap into seasoned professionals who bring immediate expertise. During the Flexreturn Period Clients benefit from low-risk access to high caliber talent. For Candidates, it provides a platform to showcase their skills, build currency, expand contacts, and rebuild confidence. The flexible nature of the internship allows returners to gradually scale up to a full-time schedule as they re-acclimate to the workforce. Untapped Potential supports the engagement with a structured project plan and three-way checkpoints to ensure success.
Why it matters: This initiative not only contributes to workforce development in our local economies but also increases the pipeline for women in senior roles and STEM fields. It highlights the often-overlooked skills of talented individuals with caregiving gaps, paving the way for greater gender balance in leadership and technical positions.
Many of our Candidates outperform expectations, and the majority transition seamlessly into long-term roles. If a business client chooses to retain the talent as a W-2 or 1099 employee, a 15% conversion fee applies.
2) Project and Consulting Engagements
Our project-based and consulting roles offer a tailored solution for businesses needing flexible support while benefiting from the expertise of seasoned professionals. Another win-win results for our experienced #returners back filling Maternity Leaves covered in this scenario.
These roles allow businesses to define the scope of the engagement, incurring costs only as needed.
The benefits:
Immediate contributions with minimal ramp-up time.
Access to talent that aligns with your specific project requirements.
Flexibility to adapt the role based on evolving business needs.
For our Candidates, these engagements provide an ideal way to maintain work-life balance while continuing to grow professionally. Whether short-term or long-term, project-based engagements create meaningful opportunities for both parties.
Standard project-based, market-priced contract terms apply whether fixed priced, hourly or monthly retainer. for fractionalized professionally scoped support. If a business client chooses to retain the talent as a W-2 or 1099 employee, a 15% conversion fee applies.
3) Direct Hire (Full-Time and Part-Time) Search
Our service also delivers for a business's objective for direct hire for permanent placement. These may include traditional full-time positions as well as non-traditional part-time roles tailored to companies’ specific needs. Often our #returner is ready for full time and have no time constraints - yet they lack visibility on job boards due to their "gap". Also, many in our community are current in skills but are downsizing to "full time" vs the demands of an "all in" power career requiring 24 x7 'on', overseas travel and additional stressors. During their heavy caregiving years, they seek to contribute on a full-time basis and remain state-of-the-art in their field. Lastly, we have career-oriented women that stayed in the game working full time while performing dual duties as home-care and child/elder care demanded their attention, yet they now realize they have been passed over for promotion ralative to their focused-male peers. Now, they need to pivot to their potential with Untapped Potential's support
The right fit: Differing from a job board hire or even a staffing firm, we study the job requisition and ensure it is open for transferrable skills. We operate with a growth mindset - understanding the future demands and company growth. Through our vetting and on-boarding process, we work to get to know our Candidates well. We ask about future aspirations, logistical demands as well as experienced gleaned from broader roles and non-work environments. Our team works to ensure the Candidate is set up for success in training and external logistical support. A 20% Placement Fee applies.
Whether you’re seeking a full-time hire or exploring innovative part-time arrangements, we ensure that you find the right fit—a professional who is not only skilled but also aligned with your organization’s values and goals.
At Untapped Potential, our mission is to support businesses in unlocking the value of hidden talent while creating pathways for returners to thrive. Together, we’re not just filling roles—we’re shaping the future of work.
Learn more about our Client Engagement Options.