Jonathan Bergsma is a seasoned public sector professional currently serving as a recruiter for the Ontario Government’s Treasury Board Secretariat. Originally from Georgetown, Ontario, Jonathan brings a thoughtful, people-first approach to his work, shaped by a rich background that includes a degree in English and History from the University of Toronto—where he also competed as a student-athlete in rowing.
Now focused on connecting individuals with meaningful career opportunities, Jonathan is known for his empathy, meticulous planning, and ability to recognize the human story behind every résumé. His commitment to service extends well beyond the workplace—he’s an avid solo sailor, fitness enthusiast, and community volunteer, involved in peer support for first responders, local food programs, and trail advocacy.
Jonathan is a believer in lifelong learning, personal evolution, and the quiet strength of reflection. Whether charting a new course across Lake Superior or guiding someone toward a new career path, he navigates challenges with calm purpose and a clear sense of direction. For Jonathan, success is measured not by titles, but by alignment between values, action, and meaningful impact.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
I start early—quiet mornings are my most productive. A quick workout or run clears my mind, then it’s into a structured work block. I map out priorities the night before, which helps cut through the noise. I approach my day like a sailing route: you chart the course, but you stay flexible. Productivity for me isn’t doing more—it’s doing what matters with intention and clarity.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I reflect first. Ideas that last usually come out of a problem I’ve observed more than once. I’ll sketch the idea, bounce it off a colleague or two, and test it in small ways. Whether it’s streamlining a recruitment process or building a new resource, I focus on simplicity and utility. If it can make someone’s path easier, it’s worth pursuing.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The shift toward values-based employment. People want to work where they feel aligned—not just compensated. That opens up space for more authentic workplaces and deeper conversations in recruitment. It’s no longer just about the résumé; it’s about who you are and how that fits into a bigger mission.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Planning the night before. It takes 10 minutes, but it frames my next day with purpose. I limit my priorities to three, maximum. That way I don’t lose the forest for the trees.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t be so afraid to pivot. The career ladder isn’t always straight—sometimes it’s more like a web. Be more open to change and don’t measure yourself only by titles. Also, listen more and assume less.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I think silence is underrated. In meetings, interviews, even conversations—we often rush to fill space. But silence is where people process, reflect, and sometimes reveal what matters most. Comfort with silence can be a superpower.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Go outside—daily. Even for 15 minutes. A walk, a sail, a stretch. Nature resets everything: your breathing, your thoughts, your stress levels. It’s a kind of free recalibration we don’t take advantage of enough.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I break things into the smallest next step possible. I’ll also get outside—wind and water are my therapy. When that’s not possible, I write. Just getting the clutter out of my head onto paper changes everything.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Stay curious, always. Whether you’re ten years in or starting out, ask questions, learn something new, and adapt. I also try to really see the people I work with—what they care about, what drives them. That builds relationships that last longer than any project.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Years ago, I turned down a professional opportunity out of fear I wasn’t ready. It stuck with me because I realized I’d let self-doubt dictate my future. I overcame it by saying “yes” the next time—even when I was still scared. The lesson? Readiness is often a myth. Growth happens in motion, not in waiting.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A mentorship app for public sector employees. Something simple: match people based on values, not just roles. There’s so much untapped wisdom in government careers that doesn’t get passed down unless we create the space for it.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Notion. I use it to track projects, reflect on weekly wins and challenges, and collect resources. It’s flexible enough to feel creative but structured enough to keep me focused.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday. It reframed how I view challenges. Instead of resisting hardship, you lean into it and grow through it. That mindset has changed how I lead, live, and even sail.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
The Bear. It’s raw, human, and chaotic—in the best way. It shows the pressure of leadership, the power of passion, and how teams can fall apart or rise together. Plus, it’s a reminder that the “kitchen” is everywhere: work, family, life. How we show up matters.
Key learnings
- Purposeful Planning & Reflection Fuel Productivity
- Values and Authenticity Are Shaping the Future of Work
- Growth Requires Curiosity, Courage, and Connection