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What Is a People Strategy? HR Strategy vs People Strategy

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What Is a People Strategy? And Why It’s Not the Same as an HR Strategy

For years, we’ve watched organizations conflate people strategy consulting with human resources management. They’re not the same thing—and the gap between them explains why some companies thrive while others struggle to retain talent, build leadership bench strength, and execute strategic change.

At Gotham Culture, we’ve spent more than 15 years working with organizations across industries to clarify this distinction and build the people strategy that actually drives business outcomes. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what a true people strategy looks like, how it differs from HR strategy, and why the difference matters.

The Core Difference: People Strategy vs. HR Strategy

Let’s start with a clear distinction.

HR strategy is transactional. It manages the mechanics: payroll, benefits, compliance, hiring and firing processes, performance management systems, and policy administration. HR strategy ensures your organization stays compliant, that people get paid on time, and that you have documented processes for hiring and terminations.

People strategy is transformational. It asks the harder questions: What kind of culture do we need to win in our market? What leadership capabilities are missing? How do we retain our best talent when competitors are actively recruiting them? How do we integrate acquired companies? How do we prepare for the future we’re trying to build?

Think of it this way: HR keeps the trains running on time. People strategy consulting helps you decide where the trains should go and what cargo they should carry.

Both matter. But they serve different purposes, require different expertise, and deserve different levels of strategic attention from your leadership team.

What a True People Strategy Looks Like

A people strategy is a multi-year blueprint that ties human capital directly to competitive advantage. It answers questions like:

  • What are our most critical talent gaps, and how will we close them?
  • What kind of leadership do we need three, five, and ten years from now?
  • How will our culture need to evolve to support our business strategy?
  • Where are we losing our best people, and why?
  • How do we attract, develop, and retain people who fit both our values and our ambitions?
  • What skills do we need to build internally versus acquire from outside?
  • How will we integrate people, systems, and cultures across acquisitions or major restructurings?

A strong people strategy is built on data—engagement scores, retention analytics, succession pipeline health, competitive compensation benchmarking, skills inventories—combined with senior leadership input and deep understanding of your industry context.

The best people strategy consulting work doesn’t hand you a glossy deck and disappear. It builds alignment across your senior team, establishes accountability for specific outcomes, and creates mechanisms to evolve the strategy as your business changes.

Why Organizations Confuse the Two

Several things make this confusion understandable.

First, reporting lines blur the boundary. Your Chief Human Resources Officer might report to the CEO, sitting at the same table as your Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer. That proximity to strategy can feel like evidence that HR is strategy. But having a seat at the table isn’t the same as owning people strategy; it’s necessary but not sufficient.

Second, there’s often no clear role owner for people strategy. In many organizations, it falls between departments. HR owns the mechanics. The CEO owns business strategy. But who owns the human capital strategy that connects them? That vacuum often gets filled by whoever shouts loudest or whatever consulting firm happened to win a project.

Third, small and mid-market companies often ask their HR leader to do both—transactional HR and transformational people strategy. That’s asking someone to work in two modes simultaneously, which is cognitively and practically difficult. It’s like asking your finance team to both process invoices and guide your long-term capital allocation strategy. Some individuals can do both, but it requires exceptional talent and explicit time allocation.

Finally, many organizations haven’t experienced the tangible business impact of a real people strategy, so they don’t miss it. They don’t see the pattern: the talent wars they’re losing, the leadership transitions that surprise them, the integration challenges that derail acquisitions, the cultural misalignment that slows execution. Without that connection, investing in people strategy consulting feels like a luxury rather than a lever.

The Business Case for People Strategy Consulting

Here’s what we’ve observed across our client work: organizations with a clear, aligned, and actively managed people strategy outperform peers on:

  • Retention of high performers: When your people understand how they fit into a larger vision and see a path to growth aligned with that vision, they stay. The cost of replacing a senior leader—in lost productivity, knowledge transfer, and recruitment—is staggering. A strong people strategy cuts that cost dramatically.
  • Speed of execution: Cultural misalignment and leadership blind spots slow everything down. A people strategy that builds leadership clarity and reduces counterproductive behavior gets decisions made faster and implementations completed more effectively.
  • M&A integration: The majority of acquisitions fail to deliver expected synergies. Much of that failure is people-driven: culture clash, redundant or misaligned roles, lost institutional knowledge, key talent departures. People strategy consulting that integrates human capital from day one dramatically improves integration outcomes.
  • Innovation and adaptability: When your people strategy is built on understanding your market and your competitive positioning, you’re more likely to attract and retain the people who can innovate. You’re also more likely to evolve your strategy as the market changes, because you’re actively thinking about people as a strategic asset.
  • Financial performance: The connection isn’t coincidence. Companies with strong talent strategies and engaged workforces consistently show higher profitability, revenue growth, and shareholder returns.

The return on people strategy consulting is often measurable in the first two years: lower turnover (and the associated savings), faster time-to-productivity for new leaders, reduced M&A integration risk, and clearer alignment across senior leadership.

What People Strategy Consulting Looks Like in Practice

When you engage an external partner for people strategy consulting, here’s what good work includes:

Assessment and Discovery

A thorough engagement starts with a real assessment: interviews with senior leaders and high-potential managers, analysis of your organizational structure and talent benchmarking, review of your competitive landscape, and often an engagement survey to surface what your broader organization actually thinks about strategy, culture, and opportunity.

This isn’t window-dressing. The assessment shapes everything downstream. It’s where you surface hidden assumptions, blind spots, and untapped opportunities.

Strategy Development and Alignment

Working with your senior team, your consultant builds a multi-year people strategy that’s anchored to your business strategy but goes deeper. It identifies critical talent gaps, maps succession plans, outlines your culture evolution, and defines the leadership capabilities you need to build.

The real work happens in getting alignment. Two people can read the same strategy document and walk out with completely different understandings. Strong people strategy consulting uses facilitation to build genuine shared understanding and ownership across your leadership team.

Implementation Support

A strategy is only valuable if it gets executed. Good people strategy consulting includes support for implementation: helping you reshape compensation and incentive models, redesigning your talent development programs, structuring your succession planning process, and building accountability mechanisms to track progress.

Culture and Organizational Design

Sometimes your people strategy requires changes to your organizational structure, reporting relationships, or culture. This is where people strategy consulting intersects most directly with what organizational culture is and how to shape it intentionally. It requires both strategic thinking and change management expertise.

How People Strategy and HR Strategy Work Together

This isn’t an argument against HR function; it’s an argument for clarity about what each role owns.

People strategy sets direction: what kind of people we need, what leadership capabilities we’re building toward, how our culture needs to evolve, where we’re investing in talent.

HR strategy executes operationally: the systems, processes, and programs that make the people strategy real. It’s the bridge between vision and practice.

The best organizations we work with have this separation clear. They have a Chief People Officer or Head of People Strategy who works with the CEO and senior leadership on talent and culture direction. They have an HR leader who manages the day-to-day mechanics and makes sure the people strategy gets operationalized through hiring, development, compensation, and culture programs.

Sometimes those are the same person. But the roles themselves need to be distinct, because they require different capabilities and different types of thinking.

Common Pitfalls in People Strategy Work

Before we move to how to get started, here are patterns we see when organizations get people strategy consulting wrong:

Doing it without senior leadership alignment. A people strategy that isn’t owned and actively championed by your CEO and senior team dies on arrival. If it’s handed down from HR or consultant, it stays on a shelf. We’ve seen organizations invest significantly in people strategy consulting only to have the strategy languish because leadership didn’t have real skin in the game.

Building strategy without understanding your market. Your people strategy has to be grounded in where you’re competing and where the talent wars are fiercest. If you’re competing for engineers in a high-growth tech market, your people strategy looks very different than if you’re a government contractor competing on specialized domain expertise. Generic people strategy serves no one.

Separating people strategy from organizational culture. Your culture transformation efforts and your people strategy have to be integrated. Culture is how your people strategy gets lived in daily behavior. When these are separate conversations, your strategy remains abstract and your culture work becomes unfocused.

Not measuring what matters. A good people strategy includes metrics: Are we retaining the people we want to keep? Are we filling critical roles faster? Are our high-potential leaders developing as planned? Is our culture evolving in the way we designed it to? Without these measures, you’re flying blind.

Getting Started with People Strategy Consulting

If this resonates with your organization, here’s a practical starting point:

First, get clarity on what you actually need. The question isn’t whether you should hire an external consultant (though that often helps). The question is what gaps exist in your current thinking about how people drive competitive advantage. Are you losing talent to specific competitors? Do you have a leadership succession crisis? Is a major acquisition creating cultural misalignment? Are you pivoting your business and need a different kind of organization to win in the new market?

Second, assess your current state. Use the Culture Mosaic Survey or similar tools to understand how your people actually experience your organization, where alignment is strong, and where friction exists. Data beats opinion.

Third, convene your senior team around the question: What are we trying to accomplish in terms of people and culture over the next three to five years? What would need to be different? What would success look like? From there, you can decide whether you need external support or whether your team has the bandwidth and expertise to build this yourselves.

Finally, if you do engage external people strategy consulting, remember that the consultant’s job is to accelerate your team’s clarity and capability—not to replace your team’s thinking. The best engagements create ownership, not dependency.

Why This Matters Right Now

The talent market has shifted. The era when you could hire and develop at a leisurely pace is gone. The best people have options. Organizations that win are the ones with a clear sense of what they’re building, where they’re headed, and what kind of people they need to get there.

That’s what a true people strategy creates. Not a document. Not a presentation. But a shared understanding across your leadership team about how you’re going to win through your people.

If your organization has been operating with HR strategy and hoping it covers people strategy, now’s the time to close that gap. The organizations that do will find they attract better talent, keep their best people longer, execute change faster, and build organizations that actually embody their values.

That’s not luck. It’s strategy.

Key Takeaways

  • People strategy is different from HR strategy: HR manages the mechanics of employment. People strategy shapes how human capital drives competitive advantage.
  • People strategy requires ownership and alignment: It has to be owned by senior leadership and actively managed as a multi-year initiative.
  • Integration with culture matters: Your people strategy and your organizational culture have to be integrated; one without the other is incomplete.
  • The business case is real: Organizations with strong people strategies retain talent better, execute faster, and outperform peers on financial metrics.
  • Getting started is practical: Begin by assessing what you actually need, understanding your current state, and convening your senior team around a clear question about your future.

Ready to Build Your People Strategy?

If your organization is ready to move from HR administration to strategic people leadership, we’re here to help. At Gotham Culture, our people strategy consulting work has helped dozens of organizations clarify their talent vision, build aligned leadership teams, and execute the people strategies that actually move the needle.

Whether you’re preparing for major change, integrating an acquisition, or just recognizing that your current approach to talent isn’t competitive anymore, the first step is a conversation. Reach out to us to discuss what your organization needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About People Strategy

What’s the difference between a people strategy and a talent strategy?

People strategy is broader and more inclusive. It encompasses talent strategy (acquisition, development, retention) but also includes organizational design, leadership development, culture evolution, and how you manage organizational change. Talent strategy is focused on the pipeline and capability; people strategy is focused on how people drive your business forward holistically.

How long does it take to develop and implement a people strategy?

The assessment and strategy development phase typically takes 8-12 weeks, depending on the complexity of your organization and the depth of the assessment. Implementation is ongoing; most of our clients commit to 18-24 months of active management and refinement before the strategy becomes self-sustaining. Quick fixes don’t create lasting change.

Do we need external help for people strategy, or can we build this internally?

Some organizations have the expertise and bandwidth to build their own people strategy. Many benefit from an external partner who brings industry perspective, benchmarking data, and the ability to surface blind spots and facilitate harder conversations. An external partner can also accelerate the process and help ensure rigor. Think of it like strategy consulting for your people function.

How do we measure whether our people strategy is working?

Good people strategies include clear metrics: retention rates for high performers, time-to-productivity for new leaders, engagement scores, advancement rates for high-potential employees, culture survey results tracking cultural evolution, and ultimately business outcomes like revenue per employee and customer satisfaction. The specific metrics depend on what you’re trying to achieve.

What’s the connection between people strategy and culture transformation?

People strategy defines where you want to go and what kind of people and capabilities you need to get there. Culture transformation is how you actually get there—it’s the work of changing behaviors, systems, and norms to align with your strategy. They’re inseparable; a great people strategy without culture work remains aspirational, and culture work without clear strategic direction becomes unfocused activity.

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7 Common Travel Myths That are Completely WRONG

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A solo backpacker standing on a cliff looking at the scenery

Years ago, the website Earth Porm reposted my article “The Ultimate Guide to Traveling When You’re Broke.” As I went through the comments on the post, I was dismayed by the mean and dismissive comments people shared as well their misconceptions about travel.

These comments made me realize that, despite all the detailed websites and books on how to make travel affordable and accessible, too many people still believe the notion that travel is expensive, unsafe, and impossible unless you are rich.

Too many say, “I can’t. It’s impossible” and become cynical about travel. The notion that travel is expensive couldn’t be further from the truth (I wrote an entire book proving that very point.)

Yet people still have all kinds of misconceptions about budget travel and staying safe abroad.

So, today, I want to debunk 7 of the most common travel myths I’ve encountered over the years:
 

Myth #1: Travel is Expensive

Nomadic backpacking hiker standing at the top of a mountain excitedNomadic backpacking hiker standing at the top of a mountain excited
Everything costs some money — and that includes travel. But the idea that travel is only about fancy tours, beach-side resorts, and luxurious villas is outdated. Traditionally, subtle marketing language made everyone believe that “a fun vacation is an expensive vacation.” After decades of being bombarded by those insidious ad campaigns, our collective consciousness still equates travel with luxury. Heck, I used to believe this too.

But the fact of the matter is you don’t need a trust fund or a high-paying job to have an amazing trip.

You’ll need to learn how to plan a trip.

You’ll need to save money.

But you don’t need to be rich to travel. You just need to be creative and have the right priorities.

And it can even be done on minimum wage. Sure, it may take longer to save for your trip, and you may need to make sacrifices, but if you want to travel — whether for two weeks or two years — you can find a way to make it happen. Here are some starting points that can help you lower your costs and travel on a budget:

 

Myth #2: Travel Credit Cards Will Ruin Your Credit

Lots and lots of credit cards in a pileLots and lots of credit cards in a pile
Collecting points and miles is the art of using travel credit cards to gain free travel by using your regular spending. No extra purchases. No jumping through loopholes. Just earning free travel by putting your date nights, groceries, gas, and other regular expenses on a travel card.

I can’t count the number of free flights and hotel stays I’ve had over the years. By collecting points and miles, I’ve been able to travel for a fraction of the price it would have cost otherwise, opening up tons of possibilities for budget travel.

While applying for credit cards will cause a temporary dip in your credit score, that dip gets corrected within two months if you keep paying off your bills. Unless you’re looking to make a huge purchase (like buying a house) in the near future, that minor dip will not affect you. Over time, having more available credit will actually improve your credit score. And I mean what’s the point of building up a credit score if you don’t use it? You work to build a good credit score for the purpose of doing things with it.

I have over a dozen credit cards (though I only actively use three) and a credit score of 797 out of 850. As long as you pay your card off each month, you don’t need to worry.

Here are some resources to help you get started:

 

Myth #3: Couchsurfing is Unsafe

Young woman sleeping on a couch, couchsurfing around the worldYoung woman sleeping on a couch, couchsurfing around the world
Couchsurfing is a sharing economy app that facilitates cultural exchange. Locals offer a free space in their home (sometimes just a couch) which travelers can use to then visit the city and learn about about the destination.

While staying in a stranger’s house might not be for everyone, it’s nevertheless a safe and fun way to travel (not to mention an affordable one). Much like Airbnb, Couchsurfing hosts have reviews and profiles you can read to make sure you’re staying with someone you feel you’d get along with. It’s really not much different than Airbnb (except it’s free!).

Of course, if you’re not ready to stay with a stranger you can also use to app to meet people for activities instead, such as a meal, coffee, or a museum visit. It’s a great way to benefit from the app without having to stay with someone.

As long as you use common sense, read reviews, and trust your gut, you’ll be able to use the app safely while saving money and having fun. There are families who host people, solo female hosts who only host women, as well as expats looking to connect with fellow foreigners.

Couchsurfing and websites like it have vibrant communities. Because, contrary to what the news and media like to report, not everyone out there is a secret murderer looking for their next victim. Most people are good, kind people just looking to make friends and learn new things. Don’t let fear limit your opportunities.
 

Myth #4: Hitchhiking Will Get You Killed

Funny hitchhiking sign from the USAFunny hitchhiking sign from the USA
Hitchhiking is a relatively common way to travel in many countries around the world. It was also a common (and safe) way to travel the US and Canada for a long while too.

The idea that hitchhiking is dangerous dates back to the 1950s when the FBI led a scare campaign to get people to stop the practice, in part because civil rights activists were hitchhiking to rallies. The FBI’s campaign permanently embedded in the mind of people that hitchhiking is dangerous by claiming that most hitchhikers were murderers.

Combined with a narrative pushed by the media that the world is unsafe, hitchhiking continues to be perceived as a dangerous activity — even if it’s not.

My friend hitchhiked solo around the US.

Kristin from Be My Travel Muse hitchhiked around China

I’ve hitchhiked in Europe, the Caribbean, and Central America and met wonderful, interesting people in the process.

Hitchhiking, like Couchsurfing, is about using common sense. Make a note of license plates, have a phone in case of an emergency, and travel with a friend if you’re not comfortable going solo. And remember, you don’t have to get into any car that stops. Use your judgment and follow your instincts and you’ll be able to meet lots of interesting people while still staying safe.
 

Myth #5: Travel is Dangerous for Women

Female nomadic traveling the world aloneFemale nomadic traveling the world alone
While both men and women face risks on the road, women often encounter additional hazards that require caution and awareness. But that doesn’t mean women need to stay home or only go to super-safe destinations.

The “if it bleeds, it leads” approach to reporting over the years has highlighted only the negative stories of female travelers. This style of reporting bolsters the perceptions that the world is so scary that solo female travel is very, very unsafe and should be avoided.

Fortunately, that’s not true at all. You have a higher chance of getting hit by a bus than you do of ending up like in the movie Taken.

But don’t just take my word for it. Here’s an excerpt from a post on women’s safety:

If I look back on the times when people have told me “Don’t go there!” or “You might die!” it’s mostly advice from people who have never been to those places and have never done any research on them. The press is hugely influential. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read international press coverage that is flat-out wrong. You need to find trustworthy sources and advice from people who know what they’re talking about. I once mentioned to my parents that I had plans to go to Rwanda. My concerned father told me, “You’re not going.” He was obviously worried about Rwanda’s tumultuous past. Had he done his research, he would have known that Rwanda is the safest country in East Africa. Once he researched it, I never heard another word about it. The crime rates in your backyard can be just as bad as the destination you’re headed to, if not worse.

These days, there are tons of powerful, independent female creators traveling to all corners of the world — including off-the-beaten-path countries. Heck, many of them are more adventurous than I am! Here are some to follow for inspiration:

 

Myth 6: Budget Travel is Only Possible if You are Young and Single

Family traveling the world together and posing in front of mountainsFamily traveling the world together and posing in front of mountains
Too many people believe travel is something you can do only if you’re young or single. That couldn’t be further from the truth. I understand that when you are older, you may want more luxury than a budget backpacker. And I know that family travel requires more planning than solo travel. B

ut travel is not solely the purview of the young.

At the end of the day, age doesn’t matter. I’ve seen families and seniors backpacking around the world, staying in hostels, or driving RVs.

You don’t need to be limited by age or your relationship status. Here are some articles that prove both families and seniors can travel on a budget:

 

Myth #7: You Can’t Work Overseas.

Working on a yacht while travelingWorking on a yacht while traveling
We often think of working abroad as an challenging process not worth the effort. It’s something that requires interviews, visas, and a polished résumé. But, for the kind of jobs that you’ll get as a traveler, that’s not true.

If you want to work and are flexible about what you’re willing to do, you can find employment almost anywhere. You can get a working holiday in countries like Australia or New Zealand, become an au pair, teach English, or even volunteer in exchange for room and board.

Sure, you might not get a fancy or well-paying job. But if your priority is travel then what does that matter?

Farms, schools, bars, restaurants, cafes, and the tourism industry are almost always looking for staff — especially in areas with a seasonal influx of tourists. You won’t get rich, but you will get to see the world. If you want to learn more about your options, here are some blog posts to get you started:

***

These travel myths come from years of being indoctrinated with the belief that travel has to be expensive and the world is scary.

That couldn’t be further from the truth.

With a little research, you’ll discover that traveling the world is much safer — and much more affordable — than most people think.

 

How to Travel the World on $75 a Day

How to Travel the World on $75 a DayHow to Travel the World on $75 a Day

My New York Times best-selling book to travel will teach you how to master the art of travel so that you’ll get off save money, always find deals, and have a deeper travel experience. It’s your A to Z planning guide that the BBC called the “bible for budget travelers.”

Click here to learn more and start reading it today!

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Want to Travel for Free?
Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need a Rental Car?
Discover Cars is a budget-friendly international car rental website. No matter where you’re headed, they’ll be able to find the best — and cheapest — rental for your trip!

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip?
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

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Cezar Berje – BOOOOOOOM! – CREATE * INSPIRE * COMMUNITY * AR…

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A selection of work by São Paulo-based illustrator Cezar Berje. Berje runs creative studio 5th Brain and has worked with a variety of clients including Figma, Adidas, Google, and Mt. Joy. While mainly focusing on authorial illustration, his work ranges from design, muralism, character creation, and illustration systems development such as frame by frame animation. Berje’s visual approach is a mix of chaos—vibrant colours, symbols, and new age psychedelia. His illustrations often suggests universes within universes, with each part of the image telling its own story through symbols and references. In a moment of cultural explosion in Brazil, his work also seeks to speak to his Brazilian and Latin roots, exploring themes of identity and storytelling through the lens of his own sense of humour and creativity.

Cezar Berje participated in our 2025 Booooooom Illustration Awards and made our longlist (view all the artists on the longlist).



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What Is Backcheck Canada and How Does It Work?

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BackCheck Canada is an online platform that specializes in pre-employment background checks to help organizations verify a candidate’s integrity. It offers various services, including criminal record checks and employment verifications, ensuring a thorough assessment of potential hires. The process involves obtaining consent from candidates and verifying their identity through partnerships with police services. Comprehending how BackCheck Canada operates can clarify its significance in the hiring process and the benefits it provides.

Key Takeaways

Key Takeaways

  • BackCheck Canada is an online platform for pre-employment background checks, operated by Sterling Backcheck, specializing in various verification services.
  • It offers services like criminal record checks, employment and education verifications, ensuring candidate integrity and workplace safety.
  • Users create an account on myBackCheck.com to initiate background checks with candidate consent and personal details.
  • Background checks include identity verification through partnerships with police services and Canada Post, ensuring compliance with privacy laws.
  • Results are typically available within minutes for electronic checks, facilitating timely and informed hiring decisions.

Overview of BackCheck Canada

BackCheck Canada is a specialized online platform designed to streamline the process of pre-employment background checks for both individuals and organizations.

Operated by Sterling Backcheck, an industry leader in background screening, it offers a thorough range of services, including criminal record checks, employment verifications, and education verifications.

When you initiate a background search Canada, you can choose from three levels of criminal record checks: Standard Canadian Criminal Record Check, Improved Police Information Check, or Vulnerable Sector Check.

The user-friendly interface requires account creation for secure access, ensuring your data remains protected.

BackCheck Canada supports various browsers, with ideal performance in Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox, providing quick results that are typically available within minutes.

Furthermore, partnerships with organizations like Canada Post enable convenient ID verification services at local post offices, simplifying your Canadian background check process.

Types of Background Checks Offered

BackCheck Canada provides several types of background checks to help you make informed hiring decisions.

You can expect thorough HireCheck Criminal Record Checks, which reveal any adult convictions, alongside Employment Verifications that confirm job history and Education Verifications that validate academic credentials.

Each of these checks plays a vital role in ensuring the integrity and suitability of potential candidates.

Criminal Record Checks

When considering the safety and integrity of your organization, awareness of the types of criminal record checks available is essential.

BackCheck Canada provides three levels of checks: the Standard Canadian Criminal Record Check (CCRC), the Enhanced Police Information Check (EPIC), and the Vulnerable Sector Check.

The CCRC examines adult convictions held in the RCMP‘s National Repository, omitting pardoned records. The EPIC incorporates CCRC results and adds local police information for a thorough awareness of a candidate’s criminal history.

For roles involving children or vulnerable populations, the Vulnerable Sector Check combines both previous checks, particularly searching for sexual offenses tied to record suspensions.

Background checks are initiated online, with results often available within minutes after identity verification.

Employment Verification Processes

To guarantee a candidate’s work history is accurate and reliable, employment verification processes are a vital part of the background check.

These verifications account for 30% of the overall process, focusing on confirming dates of employment, positions held, and reasons for leaving through payroll and Human Resources records. Claims made by candidates are cross-referenced with their consent forms to maintain integrity and accuracy.

Established contacts within organizations help facilitate timely results, minimizing delays in the verification process. By validating a candidate’s work history, you can better assess their suitability for the role they’re applying for.

This thorough approach, alongside other checks like identity and reference verifications, creates an all-encompassing evaluation of qualifications.

Education Verification Methods

Verifying educational qualifications is crucial for ensuring that candidates possess the credentials they claim, as it not merely upholds the integrity of the hiring process but also protects the organization from potential misrepresentations.

BackCheck Canada verifies the highest level of education claimed by candidates by contacting the listed educational institutions directly. This process assesses the accuracy of candidates’ representations about their educational background, ensuring honesty in job applications.

Education verification constitutes 10% of the overall background check evaluation, highlighting its significance. Thanks to BackCheck‘s established contacts with educational institutions, employers receive timely responses and accurate results.

In the end, this verification method helps you make informed hiring decisions by confirming the qualifications presented by candidates, nurturing a trustworthy recruitment process.

The Background Check Process

When you start the background check process with Backcheck Canada, you’ll first order the checks online and invite candidates to provide their consent and personal details.

This process includes several verification steps, such as identity checks and employment verifications, ensuring extensive assessments of candidates.

Typically, you can expect results for criminal record checks within minutes, but this may vary based on the specific checks requested and the thoroughness of identity verification.

Steps in Background Check

The background check process starts with a crucial step: obtaining the candidate’s consent and personal information through an email invitation to the myBackCheck.com platform.

Once you provide your consent, several key actions follow:

  1. Identity Verification: This is done through partnerships with police services, utilizing Electronic ID Verification or Canada Post ID Verification.
  2. Checks Performed: Various verifications take place, including Identity Cross-Checks, Employment Verifications, Education Verifications, and Reference Checks.
  3. Credit Bureau Inquiries: These likewise contribute to the overall assessment.
  4. Compliance: The entire process adheres to federal and provincial privacy legislation, ensuring that sensitive data is handled lawfully.

Results from these checks are usually available within minutes, even though discrepancies may cause delays.

Processing Time Estimates

After you’ve completed the necessary steps in the background check process, comprehending the estimated processing times can help set expectations. Typically, background checks through BackCheck Canada take about a week for most jobs. On the other hand, federal checks may stretch to several months, especially if discrepancies arise requiring further investigation. If you’re using electronic methods for identity verification, you might receive results in just minutes. Moreover, different levels of criminal record checks vary in speed—standard checks are quicker than enhanced or vulnerable sector checks. Efficient preparation and selecting the right government agencies can likewise speed things up.

Check Type Estimated Time
Standard Check ~1 week
Enhanced Check ~2-4 weeks
Vulnerable Sector ~4-6 weeks
Federal Check Several months

Identity Verification Methods

As you explore identity verification methods, you’ll find that BackCheck Canada offers a range of options customized to meet varying needs. Each method prioritizes efficiency and privacy, ensuring a seamless experience.

Here are four key verification methods:

  1. Electronic ID Verification (eIV): This method uses knowledge-based questions crafted by major credit bureaus to confirm identities securely.
  2. Sterling ID Verification: Utilizing advanced facial recognition technology, this biometric solution allows for remote authentication of candidates.
  3. Canada Post ID Verification: Candidates can verify their identity at participating locations by presenting two pieces of acceptable identification.
  4. Privacy Compliance: All methods comply with Canadian privacy legislation, ensuring that personal information remains protected throughout the verification process.

These options aim to simplify and expedite candidate verification, helping employers conduct timely background checks while safeguarding sensitive data.

Importance of Criminal Record Checks

Criminal record checks play an essential role in protecting vulnerable populations, especially in fields like education and healthcare.

By ensuring that individuals in sensitive positions don’t have a history of harmful behavior, these checks help maintain workplace safety and build trust within the community.

When organizations prioritize background checks, they not only safeguard their environment but additionally comply with legal standards, creating a more secure atmosphere for everyone involved.

Protecting Vulnerable Populations

Ensuring the safety of vulnerable populations, such as children and the elderly, is a critical responsibility for organizations that work closely with them.

Criminal record checks play a crucial role in this process by helping to establish trust and security. Here are four key reasons why these checks are indispensable:

  1. Vulnerability: They identify individuals who may pose a risk to at-risk groups.
  2. Trust: Conducting checks encourages a culture of safety within organizations.
  3. Vulnerable Sector Check: This specific check reveals deeper criminal history, especially concerning sexual offenses.
  4. Proactive Measures: Background checks mitigate potential harm, ensuring those in sensitive roles are suitable.

Ensuring Workplace Safety

Workplace safety hinges on the integrity of those who occupy sensitive roles, especially in sectors that directly impact vulnerable populations. Criminal record checks are essential in areas like education, healthcare, and finance, ensuring that individuals in these positions do not pose a risk. There are three levels of checks available in Canada, providing a range of insights into a candidate’s history:

Check Type Description Purpose
Standard Criminal Record Check Basic criminal history search General employment safety
Enhanced Police Information Check More detailed history, including background checks Trustworthy candidate evaluation
Vulnerable Sector Check Focused on those working with vulnerable populations Maximum safety assurance

Employment and Education Verifications

When you’re considering a candidate for a position, comprehending their background through employment and education verifications is crucial.

These checks guarantee that the information candidates provide is accurate and trustworthy. Here’s what you can expect from this process:

  1. Employment Verifications: Confirm employment dates, positions held, and reasons for leaving directly from payroll and HR records, covering about 30% of the overall background check.
  2. Cross-Referencing: Claims made by candidates are validated against their consent forms to verify accuracy.
  3. Education Verifications: Validate the highest level of education achieved, representing 10% of the entire process.
  4. Timely Results: Information is gathered from listed institutions through established contacts, emphasizing efficiency and accuracy.

Reference Checks and Their Significance

Reference checks play a crucial role in the hiring process, as they provide employers with a clearer insight into a candidate’s past performance and overall suitability for a position. These checks account for about 25% of the overall background check process, guaranteeing a thorough evaluation. By conducting reference interviews during extended business hours, employers can facilitate timely communication, reducing delays.

Aspect Importance Benefits
Work Ethic Demonstrates reliability Informs hiring decisions
Interpersonal Skills Assesses team compatibility Improves workplace harmony
Consistency Minimizes bias Guarantees fair evaluations
Credibility Supports hiring integrity Promotes safer environments
Timeliness Reduces phone tag issues Speeds up the hiring process

A consistent and auditable reference check process improves the credibility of hiring decisions, contributing to a safer and more effective workplace environment.

Credit Bureau Inquiries and Financial Assessments

Credit bureau inquiries serve as a vital part of the background check process, offering employers valuable insights into a candidate’s financial health and stability.

These inquiries account for 24% of the overall assessment and can highlight various financial pressures that may affect job performance.

Here’s what these inquiries can reveal:

  1. Poor payment history with creditors.
  2. Accounts in collections, indicating financial distress.
  3. Presence of County Court Judgments, signifying legal actions taken against the candidate.
  4. Bankruptcies that may suggest a pattern of financial irresponsibility.

Compliance With Privacy Regulations

Conducting thorough background checks involves not just evaluating a candidate’s financial history but likewise guaranteeing adherence to privacy regulations that protect personal information.

BackCheck Canada prioritizes compliance with federal and provincial privacy legislation, which safeguards sensitive data collected during the screening process. Before gathering any personal information—like criminal records or employment history—employers must obtain explicit consent from prospective employees.

Since privacy regulations differ by province, organizations need to familiarize themselves with regional laws regarding employee rights and data collection practices. As employers can access publicly available information, such as social media profiles, they must use this data responsibly and ethically.

To support organizations in traversing these intricacies, BackCheck Canada offers resources and updates on compliance, helping guarantee that your background checks respect the privacy rights of candidates as well as adhering to legal standards.

Benefits of Using BackCheck Services

When you choose BackCheck services, you’re opting for a complete solution that improves your hiring process through thorough candidate verification.

Here are some benefits you’ll experience:

  1. Comprehensive Verification: BackCheck guarantees a detailed check of identity, employment history, education, and criminal records, giving you peace of mind.
  2. Rapid Results: You’ll typically receive results within 24 hours, allowing you to make timely hiring decisions without unnecessary delays.
  3. Compliance Focus: BackCheck adheres to federal and provincial privacy legislation, guaranteeing sensitive data is collected with proper consent, which protects both you and your candidates.
  4. Customization: Tailor your background screening programs to fit your organization’s specific needs, enhancing the effectiveness of your hiring practices.

Partnership With Canada Post

BackCheck’s partnership with Canada Post considerably improves the ID verification process for background checks, making it more accessible for job seekers across Canada. With this collaboration, you can complete your ID verification at local post offices, enhancing convenience. The process takes less than 5 minutes, ensuring a swift and efficient experience.

Best of all, this service is free of charge for applicants, making it an attractive option for those seeking employment.

To obtain a criminal record check through BackCheck, completing this ID verification is a necessary step. This partnership additionally utilizes upgraded technology at Canada Post to securely handle your personal information, complying with Canadian privacy laws, including PIPEDA and the Privacy Act.

Global Reach and International Criminal Record Searches

As the job market becomes increasingly global, the need for detailed background checks extends beyond Canada’s borders. BackCheck Canada offers international criminal record searches in over 240 countries, enabling you to verify candidates’ backgrounds worldwide.

This service is essential for organizations with diverse workforces or those hiring individuals with international experience.

Here’s how the international search process works:

  1. Compliance: It adheres to various privacy regulations and legal requirements in different jurisdictions.
  2. Partnerships: BackCheck collaborates with local law enforcement agencies and trusted international sources to gather accurate data.
  3. Processing Time: Results are typically processed within a specified timeframe, which can vary by country.
  4. Detailed Vetting: It promotes a thorough vetting process, ensuring you make informed hiring decisions.

Utilizing BackCheck’s global reach helps you maintain a trustworthy hiring process.

Getting Started With Backcheck Services

To get started with BackCheck services, you’ll first need to create an account on the myBackCheck.com platform, which requires a valid email address and a secure password.

Once your account is set up, you can log in and initiate background checks by providing the necessary personal information and consent. This process is straightforward and designed for user convenience.

If you’re part of an organization, you can access a separate login customized for organizational accounts, allowing you to personalize screening programs based on your needs.

After you order a background check, candidates will receive an email invitation to submit their details and consent online, streamlining the entire procedure.

Typically, you can expect results from background checks within 24 hours, though this may vary depending on the type of verification conducted.

This efficient system guarantees timely and reliable information for your hiring or screening processes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Do Canadian Background Checks Show?

Canadian background checks reveal a variety of important information. They show criminal records, confirming any adult convictions from the RCMP’s National Repository.

Employment verifications detail your work history, including positions and reasons for leaving. Education checks validate the highest level of education you’ve completed.

Credit inquiries assess your financial stability, highlighting any poor payment histories or bankruptcies. Finally, reference checks provide unbiased evaluations of your qualifications through structured interviews.

Is Mybackcheck a Legitimate Service?

Yes, MyBackCheck is a legitimate service. It’s operated by BackCheck™, Canada’s largest background screening provider, known for its reliable services.

The platform conducts various checks, including criminal records and employment verifications, typically delivering results within 24 hours. MyBackCheck complies with privacy laws, ensuring personal data is collected only with consent.

Furthermore, it partners with Canada Post for convenient ID verification, streamlining the process and enhancing trust in hiring practices across sectors.

What Is a Red Flag on a Background Check?

A red flag on a background check indicates potential issues that might affect a candidate’s suitability for a position. This can include discrepancies in employment history, criminal records, financial problems, or unverifiable educational qualifications.

Frequent job changes or gaps in employment may additionally raise concerns about reliability. Each of these factors suggests a need for further investigation, as they could signal irresponsibility or instability, impacting your hiring decision.

How Long Does a Canadian Background Check Take?

A Canadian background check usually takes about a week for most job positions.

Nevertheless, if you’re applying for a federal job, the process can stretch to several months owing to additional requirements.

If discrepancies arise during verification, this can further delay completion.

Efficient preparation by both you and your employer can greatly speed up the process, along with selecting the appropriate government agencies for specific checks, influencing overall timeline.

Conclusion

In conclusion, BackCheck Canada provides a reliable platform for conducting thorough pre-employment background checks, including criminal record, employment, and education verifications. By following a streamlined process that emphasizes candidate consent and identity verification, organizations can make informed hiring decisions. With partnerships that improve the verification process, and the ability to conduct international searches, BackCheck Canada guarantees timely access to essential information during compliance with privacy regulations. Utilizing these services can greatly improve the hiring process for any organization.

Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart

This article, “What Is Backcheck Canada and How Does It Work?” was first published on Small Business Trends

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Meet B. Alexis, the First Woman to Release an Album From Pri…

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This essay is part of Redemption Songs, a limited-run newsletter that spotlights one song each week by incarcerated artists. Sign up now to get a new song each Sunday afternoon over 25 weeks:

Listen if you like: Rapsody, Tierra Whack and Eve

Freer Records, a label that works with “prison-impacted” musicians, recently announced it would release the first-ever album made by a woman behind bars. That achievement is hard to fact-check, but it’s believable: Of the dozens of American prison albums I’ve found from the last century, nearly all feature men.

The woman behind the album, “9th & Gasoline,” goes by the moniker B. Alexis. Her face is on the cover. But I’ve been asked not to tell you her real name or where she’s serving a 30-year sentence for murder. (Her marketing materials just say it’s in the South.)

BL Shirelle, the Freer Records co-executive director who produced the album, told me that both she and B. Alexis are concerned that if they reveal her full identity, she could face retaliation from the prison where she’s in custody.

They’re right to be cautious. It’s easy for prison staff to find a pretext and retaliate. Rappers in Michigan and South Carolina facilities were sent to solitary confinement after they released music videos using illegal cellphones (something B. Alexis has not done here). Prison staff said they were threatening facility safety by using these devices. The U.S. Supreme Court allows some censorship when there are “legitimate penological concerns,” but the legal standards can be ambiguous.

B. Alexis accepts the possibility of retaliation. “I think the pros are well worth any risks,” she told me in a message relayed by her label. “Anything I endeavor to do concerning my music is out of integrity, so the risks or consequences don’t bother me.”

Formerly known as Die Jim Crow, New York-based Freer is the only label today focused on prisons, and has worked with incarcerated artists in Colorado, California and another state the label won’t name. Shirelle told me she had to learn how to negotiate with facilities to bring in recording equipment. “They might put you in the gym or the janitors’ closet,” she said. “We build pretty impressive soundproof studios out of PVC pipe and old blankets.”

Shirelle said B. Alexis’ facility let Freer, a nonprofit, hold auditions for artists who wanted to record with the label in 2019. B. Alexis, who shot and killed a woman when she was 17, rapped about how she was forced into sex work when she was 13. “Women often glorify prostitution in music, but she wrote about genuinely trying to survive off her body, and it stuck with me for weeks,” Shirelle told me. “She uses everything as a teachable moment and doesn’t feel sorry for herself.”

When B. Alexis went to prison, she had recently given birth to a son, Ja’Mir. (Some of her family members are named on the album.) Eighteen years later — after the halfway point in her sentence — Ja’Mir was shot and killed at a bus stop. His death was ruled a homicide but never solved.

B. Alexis raps movingly about watching her son grow up from prison on the song “I Can’t Lie,” but her approach is usually more oblique. It can feel like you’re in her head, as she talks to herself about how the horrors she faced shaped the horrors she perpetrated. “The pistol had been loaded long before my fateful calling,” she raps on “Fight to Live.” But at other times, I hear a decision to keep the listener one step away, as if she knows you might feel a sense of voyeurism. I hear in these lyrics remorse but also a challenge: Who are you to judge me?

There is also hope and consolation. On “Black Barbie,” the first track, B. Alexis is comforting a woman who could well be herself: “I see the hurt and pain you try to hide behind your eyes.”

“When I wrote ‘Black Barbie,’ I was in a place of feeling inadequate, like I could not measure up to the expectations of those around me,” she told me. “I started thinking about the young women in my ‘hood who I thought had it all. I realized I really wasn’t too different from them. We all were trying to fake it ’til we made it.”

In early press for the album, Freer tried to shroud B. Alexis’ identity more completely, releasing photos in which she held up a notebook over her face, as if she were the Sia of prison. To promote “Black Barbie,” the label sourced a Barbie doll from the year B. Alexis was born and made a video in which the doll slowly breaks out of its box, strips off her clothes, and dances in freedom — but is then handcuffed and shoved back inside.

As the album’s release approached last month, B. Alexis decided to let Freer put her face on the album cover. So far, Shirelle tells me, there are no reports of retaliation from her prison.

LINER NOTES

Artist: B. Alexis | Album: “9th & Gasoline” | Song: “Black Barbie” | Year: 2026 (first released as single in 2022) | Location: Undisclosed | Words and vocals: B. Alexis | Beat production: Trvp Lvne | Acoustic guitar: gHSTS & gUITARS | Vocal recorded by: dr. Israel | Mixing: Bear-One | Mastering: Swaya | Album artwork and lyric video: Fury Young

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“The Pitt’s Tal Anderson Talks About Season 2 & Becca’s New …

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SPOILER ALERT: The following reveals major plot points from HBO Max‘s The Pitt Season 2.

Tal Anderson‘s character, Becca King, on HBO Max’s The Pitt, has stepped out of her sister Dr. Melissa King’s (Taylor Dearden) cellphone in Season 2, and she has some big news.

Becca first appears in this season’s seventh episode, and she’s at Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center’s emergency room waiting to see Dr. Frank Langdon (Patrick Ball). Her sister, Mel, is surprised she didn’t ask to see her for a medical issue, but Mel is respectful. She was pretty caught up with her deposition, anyway, leaving Becca to meet privately with Langdon.

The story spreads out across further episodes, with Mel asking Becca about what brought her to the ER. Becca reveals she has a urinary tract infection, which Mel tells her sister is a common issue that could be caused by various things. Becca tells Mel that she learned from Langdon that women could get UTI’s from having sex. Mel was stunned and asked her sister if she was having sex, and Becca confirmed that she and her boyfriend had been.

Mel is shocked at the news, not only because Becca never told her she was in a relationship or having sex, but also because Mel starts feeling like she’s being left out of her sister’s life. Additionally, the fact that her sister was having sex worried Mel as she wondered if this new man in Becca’s life was taking advantage of her. But Becca tells Mel that she learned about sex and her body in a class at the independent living center where she resides, and is being responsible.

Becca’s storyline is the impetus for a longer conversation about the importance of respect for body autonomy for everyone, but especially disabled people, which Anderson spoke to Deadline about recently, as well as her upcoming new book, “Oh, Tal, Not Like That,” to be released in April in line with Autism Awareness Month, and more.

In her new book with Michael Richey White, Tal starts the school year off excited, but at school, she quickly learns that in the classroom, teachers like kids to follow directions and do things the way they are taught. Tal has different ideas, however, and classmates and teachers work hard to help her learn the“right way.” In the end, they all learn a valuable lesson: there are more ways than one to get things done. Once again, Tal wins over hearts and confirms it’s okay to be different, be yourself, and to follow your own path.

Our interview can be found below.

Tal Anderson and Patrick Ball

HBO

DEADLINE: Becca’s storyline has been expanded on greatly this season. Were you interested in exploring more of Becca’s storyline after Season 1?

TAL ANDERSON: I’m super excited by the storyline in general. It’s so great that Becca can show her independence, and she can also show more of who she is. I love the role of Becca, but not because I am Becca, but more because I can relate to her, and I can understand her.  Even though I have lower support needs than Becca, I also 100% rely on the love and support of my family in order to live my best life.

I also appreciate that she’s confident and she knows what she wants.  I’m so proud to have the opportunity to bring Becca to life. She’s written so well and with so much respect, and she’s teaching a giant audience about how disabled people should be incorporated into everyone’s lives, and I think that’s great.

DEADLINE: What’s it like working closely with Taylor and specifically playing sisters?

ANDERSON: Taylor is such an amazing, amazing actor. She really is amazing. She’s funny and supportive, and she understands me. We read through lines before going on before filming a scene. She makes it really easy to feel like I have a sister. She’s super funny and supportive, and made sure that I felt comfortable on set and knew where everything was. And she understands me, which is very helpful.

I didn’t expect Becca’s story to take this turn for Season 2. I found out from Taylor what was going to happen in Episode 10, and I was so shocked but so excited.  I’m just happy that Becca gets a chance to show her independence and that viewers get to learn more about who she is— not just that she’s “Mel’s Sister.”

DEADLINE: Becca has heard a lot about Dr. Langdon from Mel, and now he is her doctor. Why was it important that Becca had a doctor who was not her sister?

ANDERSON: From Becca’s perspective, I think she’s thrilled to have Dr. Langdon as her doctor. She trusts him, even though she’s never met him, because she knows how much Mel respects him. He’s neutral and also non-threatening in every way. And you know, trust is a given, but from the story’s perspective, I think having a neutral party involved is necessary, because we’re talking about Becca’s independence and right to privacy.

This is a problem for disabled people in general, because we tend to be infantilized by others. I guess because disabled people are more vulnerable or more sheltered, and it’s not appropriate in any situation. The bottom line is that Becca is an adult, and she’s entitled to live her life the way she wants, and she’s entitled to pursue happiness just like everyone else. Having Dr. Langdon be the one to tell her and to remind her that she’s in control of letting people know private details about her health and her life is a statement. It’s letting Becca know that she’s allowed to decide what she shares about her private life.

Tal Anderson, Taylor Dearden and Patrick Ball

HBO

DEADLINE: This storyline brings up the important topic of body autonomy for disabled people. Just because Becca is autistic doesn’t mean she can’t make decisions about her body.

ANDERSON: Becca is disabled and has high support needs, but that doesn’t make her less of a person. She has a right, just like everybody, to make her own decisions about her body, and she’s learning how to navigate this new stage in her life. I think she’s really excited that she’s having this new experience, and she’s going to figure out how to navigate through it. She will also take Mel’s feelings into account, and this is very new territory for the sisters.

DEADLINE: Do you feel like Mel wants to protect Becca?

ANDERSON: Yes, Becca is all Mel has, and she loves her. But all of this is also bringing up personal feelings Mel has about her own life, and at a time when everything is exploding all around her. I think Becca has been dying to tell Mel [about the boyfriend], but also doesn’t want Mel to feel bad. There’s also this part of Becca that is maybe being a tiny bit selfish, you know? As much as she loves her sister, she’s excited about having a life of her own, so she convinces herself that it would hurt Mel’s feelings. But really, she just wants something for herself. I don’t blame her. 

But also, Becca probably doesn’t fully understand that she probably made a mistake doing that, and she’s going to have to figure that out.

DEADLINE: Mel is also quite young and figuring out her life, but she’s also responsible for both Becca and herself, and all while working on being a doctor. It’s understandable that she doesn’t have it all figured out yet, right?

ANDERSON: Mel is freaking out in general. Listen, Mel is not Becca’s mom. I don’t have a sister myself, but I think that it must be really hard for Mel to be a caregiver and a sister at the same time. And this theme is happening in another room in the ED, with Jude and his sister. This is really difficult for someone to do, no matter how much you love your siblings.

DEADLINE: You have a great bond with Taylor. Is there anyone else on The Pitt you’re enjoying working with?

ANDERSON: Oh, my goodness, yes. Everyone at The Pitt is amazing to work with: Noah [Wyle], Patrick, Katherine [LaNasa], and I just love Shawn [Hatosy]. He was very fun to work with. He was so gentle and very kind when he directed me in Episode 9. What a great episode that was.

When I got on set for Episode 9, it was the first time I had the opportunity to meet Noah. I was walking into the green room, and he crossed my path, going in ahead of me. Then he stopped and turned around. In that moment, I felt exactly like Becca did when meeting Dr. Robby. I held out my hand and introduced myself, “Hi, I’m Tal.” And he smiled exactly like Dr. Robby did, amused, and said, “I know. Glad to have you back.” I think I said thank you, but it was kind of a blur. Later, I realized, Duh. Of course, he knows who I am. He’s a producer. And now I realize he knows everybody on set and connects with everyone in the same warm way.

Tal Anderson and 'Oh, Tal! Not Like That'

Tal Anderson and ‘Oh, Tal! Not Like That’

Ronnie Smith

DEADLINE: Before we conclude this interview, please tell me about your upcoming new book. It’s your second book and the second book in the series that you created with Michael. What else can you share?

ANDERSON: So the concept for this series started after I met the illustrator, Michael Richey White, after working on the Netflix series Atypical. We’re both autistic and share common lived experiences, so we got along right away. Michael is amazingly talented. All the situations in these books really happened to me, and many also happened to him. We’re both very creative and always trying to express what we were thinking and feeling through our art when we were young. Unfortunately, it was never quite understood by teachers or other students. So, we decided to create a book that speaks to kids like us. I chose a school for the setting of the second book because school is where both Michael and I remember getting pressured to be more like everyone else. Those years were tough, and we both felt really, really misunderstood.

I wanted to center the book around this personal, lived experience, but also show it with a positive spin. I know there are kids out there who are feeling just like Michael and I did. With the books, we want kids to know that being yourself and following your own path is not wrong, and that they should never let go of their individuality.

This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.

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Cheesy Jalapeño Cashew Dressing – Minimalist Baker Recipes

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Creamy vegan cashew jalapeño dressing dripping off a spoon into a glass jar

Move over, Ranch, there’s a new creamy dressing in town that’s stealing our hearts! This cheesy jalapeño cashew dressing is our new go-to for salads, wraps, and dipping veggies. It’s savory and creamy and has a subtly spicy kick!

Bonus? It comes together in just 5 minutes with 9 simple ingredients. Grab your blender. Let’s do this!

Wood board with cashews, miso paste, garlic, jalapeños, limes, mustard, salt, and maple syrup

Ingredients to Make Cashew Dressing

  • Cashews – this versatile nut creates a rich, creamy base that’s naturally oil-free and neutral in flavor, allowing the other flavors to shine!
  • Water – key for turning cashews into the texture of dressing.
  • Lime juice – a generous amount of lime (or lemon) juice gives this the brightness you’re looking for in a dressing.
  • Nutritional yeast + miso paste + Dijon mustard + sea salt – this combination of umami and salty flavors gives this dressing an “oomph” that may have you wanting to drink it straight from the blender. You’ve been warned! 😉
  • Maple syrup – we include a tiny bit of maple syrup to balance out the flavors, especially the acidity of the lime.
  • Garlic + jalapeño – these two ingredients add zing and spice! The modest amount keeps the dressing nicely balanced and not overly spicy or bitter.
Pouring water into a blender with cashews, lime juice, nutritional yeast, miso paste, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, garlic, and chopped jalapeño

How to Make Vegan Cashew Jalapeño Dressing

With your ingredients ready, dressing is moments away! Simply add everything to a high-speed blender and blend for a minute or two until super creamy and smooth. We don’t find soaking the cashews to be necessary, but you certainly could, adjusting the amount of water as needed!

If your dressing isn’t getting fully creamy, here are a couple of troubleshooting tips:

  • Are you using a good quality, high-speed blender? Some blenders aren’t powerful enough to blend cashews into a fully creamy texture. We’ve had success with a Vitamix, Blendtec, and NutriBullet. If you’re going to be making nut-based dressings, dairy-free milks, vegan cheesecakes, and similar recipes, it’s definitely worth investing in a high-quality machine! Check out our full blender review here for recommendations.
  • Is the volume of dressing enough to cover the blades? If the ingredients aren’t fully covering the blades of the blender, the machine may have trouble getting a smooth texture. Try doubling the amount of ingredients, or using a smaller blender such as a NutriBullet.
Creamy cashew dressing in a blender

We think you’ll LOVE this dressing! It’s:

Creamy
“Cheesy”
Savory
Balanced
Subtly spicy
Versatile
& SO quick + easy!

Whether enjoyed on salads, wraps, or as a dip for vegetables or chips, it adds so much flavor and richness. This dressing is especially amazing on our Vegan Sweet Potato Chickpea Taco Salad, or with our Crispy Breaded Cauliflower Wings or Chickpea Shawarma Sandwich!

More Homemade Vegan Salad Dressings

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo @minimalistbaker on Instagram. Cheers, friends!

Cashew dressing dripping off a spoon into a glass jar

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Servings 12 (2-Tbsp servings)

Course Dressing, Sauce

Cuisine Gluten-Free, Vegan

Freezer Friendly No

Does it keep? 5-7 Days

  • 1 cup raw cashews*
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup lime juice (or sub lemon juice)
  • 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast
  • 1 tsp white miso paste (if soy-free, use chickpea miso)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp maple syrup
  • 3/4 tsp sea salt
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 1 small jalapeño pepper, seeds removed, roughly chopped
  • Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend on high until super smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.

  • Use immediately at room temperature or transfer to a jar and refrigerate for 3-4 hours to chill. It will thicken in the refrigerator, so you can add more water later on to thin if needed.

  • Enjoy with salads, cauliflower wings, wraps, or for dipping veggies. Store leftover dressing covered in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.

*We didn’t find soaking the cashews necessary, but you can soak them, if preferred! If using soaked cashews, you may not need as much water for blending.
*If nut-free, you could try a mix of raw sunflower seeds and hemp hearts, but we haven’t tested it this way. Let us know in the comments if you do some experimenting!
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate.

Serving: 1 (2-Tbsp) serving Calories: 70 Carbohydrates: 5 g Protein: 2.8 g Fat: 4.9 g Saturated Fat: 0.9 g Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.9 g Monounsaturated Fat: 2.6 g Trans Fat: 0 g Cholesterol: 0 mg Sodium: 171 mg Potassium: 112 mg Fiber: 0.8 g Sugar: 1.2 g Vitamin A: 3 IU Vitamin C: 3.1 mg Calcium: 8 mg Iron: 0.8 mg



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My Take on Hormone Replacement Therapy (and What I’ll Do)

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Hormones are one of those topics that eventually find their way into almost every conversation about women’s health. At some point, many women begin to notice subtle changes. Trouble sleeping, unpredictable moods, and inconsistent cycles. Naturally, questions follow. Is this perimenopause? Is something wrong? Should I consider hormone replacement therapy?

It’s a topic I get a surprising number of questions about, especially from women wondering what my personal plan is. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has become one of the most talked-about topics in women’s health in the past few years. Some experts strongly support it, while others urge caution. Many women find themselves caught somewhere in the middle, trying to make sense of conflicting information.

The Changing Conversation on Hormones

At the same time, the conversation around hormones has shifted quite a bit. For years, hormone therapy was widely viewed as risky after early research raised concerns about cancer and cardiovascular disease. Recently, though, researchers have revisited that data and recognized that much of it was misunderstood or misapplied. The updated perspective is more nuanced, especially for healthy women who begin HRT near menopause using doses that mimic what our body naturally produces.

Even with that shift, though, hormones aren’t a simple topic. They influence nearly every system in the body, from metabolism and circadian rhythm to mood, sleep, and cellular energy. I approach this conversation like most health topics. It’s not about having all the right answers, but getting curious and root causes and how to really support the body.

Understanding the Phases of Hormonal Change

Before diving into hormone replacement therapy, it helps to understand the different stages of hormonal change women move through as we age. These shifts don’t happen overnight, but unfold gradually over several years.

Perimenopause

Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause. Hormone levels, especially estrogen and progesterone, begin to fluctuate more than our reproductive years. For some women these changes are barely noticeable, while others experience a variety of symptoms that can feel confusing or frustrating.

Sleep disruptions, irregular cycles, mood changes, and shifts in metabolism are all common during this phase. Because hormone levels may swing up and down rather than simply decline, symptoms can feel unpredictable.

Menopause

Menopause is officially defined as the point when a woman has gone twelve months in a row without a menstrual cycle. At this stage, estrogen and progesterone levels stabilize at lower levels than during our fertile years.

This shift can affect many areas of health, including bone density, cardiovascular health, metabolism, and brain function. Some women move through this transition smoothly, while others experience symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, or changes in mood and sleep.

Postmenopause

Postmenopause refers to the years following menopause. The body gradually adapts to its new hormonal baseline, and many symptoms that appeared during the transition begin to stabilize.

For some women, this phase can feel like a new equilibrium. For others, lingering symptoms may lead them to explore additional support options, including hormone therapy.

Why Hormone Therapy Is Back in the Conversation

One reason hormone replacement therapy has returned to the spotlight is a re-evaluation of research that shaped the conversation for decades. In the early 2000s, the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study reported increased risks of breast cancer, heart disease, stroke, and blood clots in women using hormone therapy. The headlines that followed were dramatic, and millions of women stopped taking hormones almost overnight.

Over time, however, researchers began taking a closer look at the study and noticed several important nuances. First, many participants were significantly older when they began hormone therapy, often more than a decade after menopause. Starting hormones much later in life appears to carry different risks than starting them closer to the transition into menopause.

Second, the study mainly used synthetic hormones, not bioidentical progesterone. These compounds behave differently in the body, which may have influenced the outcomes.

As scientists revisited the data, they found that some of the reported risks were smaller than originally interpreted and may not apply equally to all women. More recent takes suggest that healthy women who begin hormone replacement therapy near menopause may have lower risks than previously thought.

Because of this evolving understanding, regulatory agencies have begun revising some of the warnings placed on hormone therapies. The updated messaging emphasizes personal decision-making instead of blanket avoidance.

Of course, none of this means hormone replacement therapy is risk-free. Like most medical interventions, it has potential benefits and risks. Those depend heavily on the individual woman, the type of hormones used, and how they are delivered.

My Focus on Root Causes First

Even with the evolving science around hormone therapy, my philosophy hasn’t changed much. When it comes to hormones (or any part of health) I’m much more interested in understanding the underlying signals the body is sending.

Hormones are incredibly powerful messengers. They don’t act in isolation, and they rarely change without a reason. When the body stops producing certain hormones or begins producing them differently, there’s often a deeper story behind that shift.

Of course, aging plays a role. Hormonal transitions are a natural part of life, but there are also many other factors that influence hormone balance. These include sleep, stress, metabolism, nutrition, and environmental exposures. My approach is to start with the foundations. If hormone therapy eventually becomes helpful, I want the rest of my health to be as supported as possible so the body can respond to those hormones effectively.

Without that foundation, adding hormones can sometimes feel like turning up the volume on a broken radio. The signal becomes louder, but the underlying problem hasn’t been addressed.

The Foundational Systems That Influence Hormones

When we look at hormone health through a broader lens, there are several foundational systems that consistently show up. 

Circadian Rhythm and Light

Circadian rhythm is one of the most powerful regulators of hormone production. Our bodies innately respond to natural light cycles, using sunrise and sunset as cues for everything from sleep timing to hormone release.

Modern life, of course, looks very different from the environment our biology evolved in. Artificial lighting, screens late at night, and long hours indoors can all disrupt those signals. Over time, this disruption can affect the brain’s communication with the endocrine system. Some researchers even suggest many hormonal symptoms may actually be circadian rhythm symptoms in disguise.

One of the simplest, yet most profound habits I have is to get morning light exposure every morning. Morning sunlight helps anchor the circadian rhythm and supports the brain’s timing of hormone release throughout the day. At night, reducing bright artificial light and protecting sleep becomes just as important.

Blood Sugar and Metabolic Health

Metabolic health is another major factor that often shows up in conversations about hormones. During perimenopause and menopause, many women become more sensitive to blood sugar fluctuations. Changes in insulin sensitivity can influence energy levels, mood, and even weight regulation.

Stabilizing blood sugar doesn’t require complicated strategies. It often comes down to consistent meals that contain enough protein, healthy fats, and fiber. Prioritizing regular movement and maintaining muscle mass by lifting heavy things also plays a key role. When metabolism is supported, the body has an easier time maintaining hormonal balance.

Mitochondrial Health

Mitochondria are often described as the powerhouses of the cell, but they’re so much more than just energy production. These tiny structures influence inflammation, cellular signaling, and hormone regulation. Some researchers estimate the human body contains trillions of mitochondria working round the clock to maintain cellular function.

Supporting our mitochondria is essentially the same as what our body needs for overall wellness. Nutrient-dense food, movement, natural light exposure, adequate minerals, and restorative sleep are essential for mitochondria. When the body has strong cellular energy production, it has more resources for hormone balance during transitions like perimenopause.

The Role of the Nervous System

Something that’s really shaped my perspective is the idea that the body prioritizes safety before anything else. When cells perceive a threat, whether from toxins, chronic stress, trauma, or infection, they shift into a defensive state. This is sometimes referred to as the cell danger response. During this state, the body temporarily puts less focus and energy towards processes that aren’t essential for immediate survival.

Hormone production can be one of those processes. From a biological standpoint, this makes sense. If the body believes it’s in a dangerous environment, it prioritizes survival over reproduction, long-term repair, or optimal hormone balance.

This is why nervous system regulation has become such an important piece of the puzzle for me. Practices that help the body feel safe, like breathwork, time in nature, restorative movement, and meaningful connection, can shift the nervous system out of survival mode. It helps the body go back into a state where healing and hormone balance are possible.

Potential Benefits and Risks of Hormone Therapy

To circle back to our original topic… While I prioritize foundational health first, hormone therapy can absolutely have a place in some women’s health journeys.

For women experiencing severe symptoms, hormone replacement therapy can provide meaningful relief. Hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep disruptions can sometimes improve significantly with appropriate hormone support. Some research also suggests potential benefits for bone density and overall quality of life.

At the same time, hormone therapy isn’t completely risk-free. Depending on the formulation and how its delivered, potential risks may include blood clots, stroke, or cancers for certain women. These risks vary widely depending on factors like age, health history, dosage, and whether hormones are synthetic or bioidentical. Because it’s a complex issue, it’s essential to work with a knowledgeable practitioner who knows your case.

My Personal Hormone Plan

At this stage of my life, I’m not in perimenopause and don’t currently need to consider hormone therapy. However, I’ve thought quite a bit about how I might approach it in the future. My plan is to continue focusing on the foundational aspects of health that naturally support hormones. That means prioritizing circadian rhythm, metabolic health, mitochondrial support, and nervous system balance. Practically speaking, this means prioritizing minerals and micronutrients, dialing in light exposure, de-stressing, and moving my body. 

If hormone shifts eventually begin affecting my quality of life despite those foundations, I would be open to exploring hormone therapy with a knowledgeable practitioner. My preference would be bioidentical hormones at the lowest effective dose and with careful monitoring. For me, it isn’t a hard “no.” It’s simply not the first step.

A Different Way to View Menopause

One perspective I find helpful is remembering that menopause is not a disease. It’s a natural biological transition. In many cultures throughout history, menopause has been viewed as the beginning of a new phase of life rather than the end of something. Women often move into roles that focus more on leadership, creativity, mentorship, and community.

Without the demands of pregnancy and early motherhood, this stage can create space for entirely new pursuits and passions.

That reframing can change the way we approach the transition. Instead of seeing menopause as something to fight against, we can focus on supporting the body through it with the same care and respect we would give any other life stage. Personally, I’m looking forward to stepping into that role once its time!

Supporting the Body Through Hormonal Transitions

Hormone replacement therapy is a deeply personal decision, and there isn’t a single answer that applies to everyone. Each woman’s history, genetics, lifestyle, and health goals are unique.

What I’ve come to believe is that the most empowering place to begin is with the foundations of health. When we support healthy sleep, light exposure, nutrition, metabolism, and nervous system balance, the body is better equipped to navigate hormonal transitions.

If hormones eventually become part of the picture, they can act as a supportive tool instead of a last-ditch solution.

Wherever you are in your own journey, my hope is that this conversation encourages curiosity, thoughtful research, and trust in your body’s wisdom. Hormonal transitions are a natural part of life, and with the right support, they can be approached with confidence rather than fear.

Where are you at in your hormonal journey as a woman? What daily habits do you have to support hormone balance? Leave a comment and let us know!

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Every Known Work by Georgia O’Keeffe Has Been Digitized and …

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Upon hear­ing the names of Arthur Dove or Mars­den Hart­ley, the sat­u­rat­ed col­ors and organ­i­cal­ly askew lines of those painters’ land­scapes may appear before your mind’s eye. But unless you have a spe­cial inter­est in Amer­i­can mod­ernists of the ear­ly twen­ti­eth cen­tu­ry, they prob­a­bly don’t. The name Geor­gia O’Ke­effe, by con­trast, can hard­ly fail to bring a few images even to the mind of the strict­ly casu­al art appre­ci­a­tor: New Mex­i­can mesas, ani­mal skulls, and above all flow­ers in extreme close-up. Apart from the artis­tic skill and dis­tinc­tive vision with which she cre­at­ed it, O’Ke­ef­fe’s work per­sists in the wider cul­ture because of how well it hap­pens to repro­duce in a vari­ety of con­texts, includ­ing post­cards, mugs, and even appar­el, such as that sold at her epony­mous muse­um in San­ta Fe.

Keep­ing such prod­ucts around is, of course, no sub­sti­tute for see­ing the real thing; in their phys­i­cal real­i­ty, O’Ke­ef­fe’s paint­ings have a way of rebuff­ing all the inter­pre­ta­tions with which they’ve been freight­ed for more than a cen­tu­ry now. If you can’t make it out to New Mex­i­co, the Geor­gia O’Ke­effe Muse­um has been work­ing to make every sin­gle one of her pieces (includ­ing sculp­tures and pho­tographs) avail­able for view­ing online at a just-launched por­tal called Access O’Ke­effe.

The muse­um describes it as a “user-friend­ly, search­able web­site with high-res­o­lu­tion images, visu­al descrip­tions, exhi­bi­tion his­to­ries, archival mate­ri­als, and research data asso­ci­at­ed with the artist’s two-vol­ume cat­a­logue raison­né.” The site’s vis­i­tors “can browse by col­or, shape, or medi­um, explore the con­text of works cre­at­ed before and after a spe­cif­ic paint­ing, trace his­toric exhi­bi­tions, cre­ate lists of favorites, and down­load images.”

Access O’Ke­effe makes it easy to find the artist’s most famous paint­ings, but also works that may sur­prise view­ers who only know her mesas, skulls, and flow­ers. Take, for exam­ple, such noc­tur­nal­ly themed can­vas­es as her ear­ly Starlight Night, from 1917, or her late Unti­tled (City Night), from the nine­teen-sev­en­ties. O’Ke­ef­fe’s Amer­i­ca, we must remem­ber, isn’t lim­it­ed to the desert: though she did spend most of her near­ly cen­tu­ry-long life’s sec­ond half in New Mex­i­co, it also took her from Wis­con­sin to Vir­ginia to Texas to New York, with stints in South Car­oli­na and Hawaii. Giv­en the impor­tance of under­stand­ing any artist’s con­texts both geo­graph­i­cal and social, Access O’Ke­effe also pro­vides an archive of arti­facts and exhi­bi­tions relat­ed to the peo­ple and orga­ni­za­tions asso­ci­at­ed with her — Arthur Dove and Mars­den Hart­ley includ­ed.

Relat­ed con­tent:

Geor­gia O’Keeffe: A Life in Art, a Short Doc­u­men­tary on the Painter Nar­rat­ed by Gene Hack­man

How Geor­gia O’Keeffe Became Geor­gia O’Keeffe: An Ani­mat­ed Video Tells the Sto­ry

An Intro­duc­tion to the Paint­ing That Changed Geor­gia O’Keeffe’s Career: Ram’s Head, White Hol­ly­hock-Hills

The Real Geor­gia O’Keeffe: The Artist Reveals Her­self in Vin­tage Doc­u­men­tary Clips

Recipes from the Kitchen of Geor­gia O’Keeffe

Alfred Stieglitz: The Elo­quent Eye, a Reveal­ing Look at “The Father of Mod­ern Pho­tog­ra­phy”

Based in Seoul, Col­in Marshall writes and broad­casts on cities, lan­guage, and cul­ture. He’s the author of the newslet­ter Books on Cities as well as the books 한국 요약 금지 (No Sum­ma­riz­ing Korea) and Kore­an Newtro. Fol­low him on the social net­work for­mer­ly known as Twit­ter at @colinmarshall.



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Daphne Rijkoort: The Colour Artist

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Awakening to Space, Light, and the Language of Colour

Daphne Rijkoort’s artistic journey is rooted in a formative encounter with space that reshaped the way she perceives the world. At eleven years old, she stood inside the Guggenheim Museum in New York, overwhelmed by the spiraling architecture that seemed to move around her. The building’s sweeping curves, shifting daylight, and fluid openness created an experience that felt alive and immersive. Rather than simply observing art on the walls, she felt absorbed into a total environment where volume, light, and movement were inseparable. That early moment planted a seed that would only reveal its meaning years later. Although she did not immediately imagine herself becoming an artist, the sensation of being surrounded by form and colour remained with her. The memory of walking upward through the museum, feeling both grounded and lifted, continues to echo in her practice, where space is never static and perspective is always in motion.

During the same trip, a visit to the Museum of Modern Art deepened her quiet curiosity. Even as a child, she found herself searching beyond the visible surface of artworks, wondering what existed behind them or within them. This instinct resurfaced years later when she encountered Rembrandt’s The Night Watch in Amsterdam. Viewing the painting from the side rather than directly in front of it changed everything. From that angle, she sensed the layers, the physical depth, and the hidden dimensions of the composition. The painting no longer appeared as a flat image but as a living structure with space embedded inside it. That revelation clarified what she had been seeking since childhood: the experience of entering a painting rather than merely observing it. Since then, she has approached art from shifting viewpoints, convinced that meaning often reveals itself when one dares to look differently.

Colour also played a defining role in her early development. She spent her childhood savings on coloured pencils, searching for hues that felt luminous and complete. Yet when applied to paper, those colours frequently failed to match her expectations, lacking the intensity she envisioned. This disappointment became a catalyst for exploration. She began investigating how colours could enhance one another, how they might vibrate, contrast, or stand independently with clarity. For Rijkoort, colour became more than decoration; it became a source of healing and balance. The idea of “elevating colours,” tones that lift and activate each other, emerged from this persistent search. Her chosen artist name reflects this deep connection to chromatic experience. Over time, colour transformed into both subject and medium, guiding her toward a practice in which light, transparency, and layered surfaces allow pigments to breathe and interact in ever-changing ways.

Daphne Rijkoort: From Spatial Design to Painting on Glass

Before fully committing to painting, Rijkoort followed a different academic path, studying Hotel Management. An internship in Barcelona became a turning point. Immersed in a city where architecture, music, and visual culture intertwine effortlessly, she felt inspired by its vitality and historical depth. Long walks through its streets sharpened her sensitivity to spatial rhythm and atmosphere. The experience nurtured a philosophical and poetic outlook, encouraging her to translate sensations of place into visual form. After completing her degree, she chose to pursue spatial design at the Willem de Kooning Academy in Rotterdam. There, she encountered the concept of spatial painting, a discovery that aligned perfectly with her childhood impressions of immersive architecture and layered artworks. This educational shift marked the beginning of her commitment to creating works that exist not only as images but as environments, objects that invite viewers to move around them and experience them physically.

When she returned to painting in 2017, the year she turned thirty, a new chapter unfolded. Revisiting The Night Watch reinforced her fascination with dimension and perspective, encouraging her to rethink the very structure of painting. She began working on paper, gradually stripping images down to minimal lines while leaving generous areas untouched. Strong curves and transparent layers emerged as defining elements, often executed in bright Neopastel tones. Initially, each piece required months of concentrated effort. Transitioning to white linen intensified the vibrancy of her colours and softened her lines, allowing her to work more freely. Over time, she prepared raw linen with gesso herself, enabling her to paint on both sides and expand the scale of her compositions. Instead of confining the works within traditional frames, she placed them between sheets of glass, transforming them into floating objects that transcend conventional painting.

Her exploration continued with coloured PVC foil, whose transparency allowed light to pass directly through the surface. This shift altered not only the presentation but also her working method. Rather than painting solely on an upright easel, she began placing materials flat on the ground, rotating them as she worked. This freedom generated shapes that would not emerge on a fixed surface. Since 2023, she has focused increasingly on painting directly onto glass using Neopastel. The discovery began with a leftover piece of glass in her studio, yet she immediately recognized its potential. Glass offers no opportunity for easy correction; each mark demands confidence and presence. Satin glass in particular complements the softness of her finger-drawn lines. Transparency, reflection, and shifting daylight create compositions that transform throughout the day, encouraging viewers to circle the work and witness its subtle changes from multiple angles.

Liberated Forms, Feminine Strength, and the Influence of Masters

Rijkoort’s current style is defined by transparency, renewal, and the liberation of form. Using a restrained number of lines, she constructs shapes that appear to float or defy gravity, often extending visually beyond the edges of the glass. These forms feel dynamic and light, yet they carry emotional depth. The layered quality of her compositions invites prolonged observation, revealing different interactions between colour and space over time. Her works are distinctly feminine, not in a literal sense but in their sensitivity, curvature, and sense of protection and openness. Transparency plays a crucial role, allowing viewers to see through the work while simultaneously encountering reflections of colours and their surroundings. This interplay between visibility and concealment reinforces her belief that art should be experienced gradually, discovered piece by piece rather than grasped instantly.

Historical and contemporary influences inform her practice without overshadowing her individuality. She studies artists from previous generations to understand what motivated them and how they shaped visual language. Kandinsky’s exploration of liberated shapes and the expressive power of the dot resonates deeply with her approach. Van Gogh’s intensity of colour, Rembrandt’s inquisitive spirit, and Matisse’s dedication to process also provide inspiration. Architecture remains equally important, particularly the impact of buildings she encountered in childhood. Music, especially compositions by emerging artists, frequently accompanies her creative process. When sharing her work on Instagram, she often pairs images with the music that influenced their creation, highlighting the connection between sound and visual rhythm. Encounters with other creatives, whether painters, musicians, architects, or philosophers, reinforce her commitment to exploring shared questions about space, perception, and human connection.

Central to her philosophy is the idea that a powerful artwork invites repeated viewing. She does not expect immediate understanding from her audience. Instead, she hopes that something within the composition catches the eye and encourages a pause. A painting should offer an expansive experience, one that continues to reveal new aspects over time. This belief stems directly from her childhood encounters with monumental spaces and masterworks that felt all-encompassing. She seeks to create a universal visual language, detached from a specific moment or location, where viewers can immerse themselves and find personal meaning. By prioritizing openness over explanation, she allows each observer to form a unique relationship with the work. In this way, her art becomes an ongoing conversation between colour, light, and perception.

Daphne Rijkoort: The Egg, Head Up High, and the Seasons of Creation

Among her most meaningful works is The Egg, a painting that embodies the profound bond between mother and child. Created with her characteristic use of layered colour and gentle curvature, the piece presents a child nestled within a protective, shell-like form. The figure gazes outward with curiosity, suggesting both safety and independence. This painting reflects her relationship with her daughter, balancing protection with freedom. The medium reinforces the message: transparency and layered colour emphasize connection while allowing space for growth. Another significant work, Head Up High, carries a different yet equally powerful intention. Inspired by winter light, frost, and the quiet strength of January landscapes, it encourages viewers to lift their gaze and expand their perspective. Looking upward, the world feels larger and more hopeful, reminding us that we exist within a vast and interconnected whole.

Her daily practice mirrors the rhythms of nature. No two days are identical, and her colour choices shift accordingly. A deep purple used one week may appear alongside greens and yellows in one composition, then transform when paired with blues or reds in another. Seasonal changes influence her emotional tone and subject matter. She senses the arrival of spring even in midwinter, and that anticipation subtly guides her palette. The Egg, painted in March, carries the first suggestion of renewal, while Head Up High reflects the clarity and quiet resilience of winter. Looking ahead, she envisions scaling up her forms so that viewers can physically walk around them, fully experiencing their liberation in space. Recent experiments include cutting painted glass panels into fragments, rearranging them to alter composition and lighten their physical presence. Through continuous experimentation and shifting perspective, she sustains an evolving dialogue between colour, light, and human experience.

Daphne Rijkoort’s Website: www.thecolourartist.com

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