Corporate or Founder Life? How Interlix Built Global Teams with Latin American Talent at Scale Now

In this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Sebastian Paredes and Sheika Al-Otaibi, the co-founders of Interlix Staffing, to unpack what it really looks like to build a modern staffing company from the ground up while navigating entrepreneurship, sales pressure, and global hiring. The conversation moves fast, covers real ground, and pulls back the curtain on decisions most founders wrestle with but rarely say out loud.Sebastian shares his journey from immigrating to the United States to earning a scholarship at Babson College, discovering sales as a survival skill, and realizing that traditional corporate paths were never as stable as they appeared. Sheika brings a complementary perspective shaped by hands-on selling, relationship building, and learning to trust action over perfection. Together, they explain how Interlix was born from a single placement that proved a bigger idea: companies could build strong, loyal teams by hiring vetted talent across Latin America.The episode explores the tension between corporate careers and entrepreneurship, breaking down why perceived job security often masks deeper risk. Sebastian and Sheika talk candidly about sleeping on couches, living on tight margins, and building momentum through cold outreach when referrals were not enough. Their story highlights how consistency in sales, clarity in service, and belief in the model carried them through the early stages.A major focus of the conversation centers on remote hiring and international staffing. The guests explain why Interlix chose Latin America as its core market, touching on cultural alignment, time zones, language fluency, and long-term commitment from full-time placements. They also address common objections around offshore hiring and outline how clear processes, proper vetting, and full-time roles change outcomes for both clients and talent.Key topics discussed in this episode include:Building a staffing business straight out of collegeSales as a learned skill rooted in necessityThe myth of stability in corporate AmericaHiring and managing full-time remote talentWhy Latin America became Interlix’s focusVetting candidates before clients ever see a résuméBalancing growth, risk, and cash flow as foundersUsing LinkedIn content and personalized outreach to drive dealsThe discussion also moves into leadership dynamics, highlighting how founders with different risk tolerances can balance each other when trust is strong. Sebastian and Sheika explain how saying no to the wrong clients, committing to full-time placements, and setting clear expectations protected their reputation and helped the business scale without burning out their team.As the episode closes, the conversation shifts toward growth, mentorship, and self-awareness. The guests reflect on what it takes to keep going when there is no plan B, why mentors matter more than tactics, and how belief compounds when paired with daily action. Their perspective offers grounded insight for anyone weighing whether to stay comfortable or build something of their own.If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone navigating hiring, entrepreneurship, or career crossroads. You can engage with the hosts by following the podcast on social platforms, joining the conversation in the comments, or reaching out with questions and guest suggestions. Your feedback helps shape future episodes and keeps the discussion moving forward.