Rafaela Dalmás and Sueda Ceran are Talent Sourcers at Successr. Their work focuses on finding and approaching top talent, building strong talent pipelines, and applying creative sourcing strategies. Recently, they had the opportunity to broaden their horizons even further: they attended SoSu, the international sourcing summit that brings together professionals from all over the world.
A World Full of Inspiration
For both of them, it was their first time attending SoSu. “I was really excited to meet people I’ve been following on LinkedIn for years or whose books I’ve read,” says Rafaela. “It was also great to reconnect with former colleagues like Claudia and meet new people. It confirmed that we’re already doing many things right at Successr.”
Sueda agrees: “Yes, it was exciting and a little nerve-wracking at the same time. It was reassuring to see that we’re keeping up with the latest trends, especially when it comes to AI in sourcing. It immediately felt like we were part of an international community.”
Their first impression upon arrival was one of enthusiasm. “Everyone was incredibly friendly and open,” says Sueda. “It was easy to start conversations and meet new people.” Rafaela adds: “We even made friends through small, unexpected moments, like someone hearing Sueda speak Turkish. Despite differences in language and culture, everyone shared the same goal: learning and exchanging experiences.”
Sessions That Made an Impact
What stood out most were the practical and accessible sessions. Vanessa Raath’s presentation on sourcing strategies immediately caught their attention. “She explained everything clearly and shared practical tips that we could apply right away,” says Rafaela.
“Renita Käsper’s session on cultural intelligence was also really valuable. It wasn’t just about tools, but about genuinely connecting with candidates.” Sueda also highlights John Rose as an inspiring speaker. “He emphasized that, even though AI is changing a lot in sourcing, our core skills remain essential. It offered a great perspective on how technology and human skills can complement each other.”
Trends, Tools and Insights for Successr
AI was a major theme throughout the event, but human connection remained a recurring topic. “It’s not just about knowing the tools, but about using them with genuine personal attention,” says Sueda. Rafaela adds: “For example, AI can help with outreach messages, but a personal tone makes all the difference. Candidates notice immediately when someone is genuinely paying attention to them.”
Much of what they learned aligns perfectly with the way they already work at Successr, combining data-driven sourcing with human-first storytelling. They were particularly interested in various sourcing tools and browser extensions and are looking forward to trying out these new approaches. “We’ll also share the best practices internally during our upcoming knowledge-sharing sessions, so the whole team can benefit from them,” says Rafaela.
They are already applying many of these insights directly in their day-to-day work at Successr. “Personalising outreach, checking LinkedIn profiles, taking cultural nuances into account — these small things can make a big difference,” says Sueda. Rafaela emphasises: “The human element remains crucial. AI can support us, but building a genuine connection with candidates is what really matters.”
Favourite Moments and a Recommendation for Next Year
What were their favourite moments? “Seeing Irina Shamaeva and taking photos with her was amazing,” says Sueda. “But meeting new people and exchanging experiences during the breaks was also really special.” Rafaela adds: “Those informal moments were just as valuable as the presentations. It truly felt like a community where you learn from each other while having a great time.”
They both agree: SoSu is highly recommended. “The combination of learning, inspiration and networking makes it a must-attend event,” says Rafaela. Sueda adds: “The energy, knowledge sharing and insights make it an unforgettable experience. I’ll definitely be back next year!”