What kind of person can turn a local startup into a global standard-setter—navigating legal landscapes, scaling teams, and staying human through it all? That’s the kind of trailblazing journey we explore in this episode.
In this episode of Behind the Screens, I had the privilege of sitting down with Summa McCosker, a dynamic force in the background screening world, whose 27-year journey from a tiny retail job in a fishing village to becoming the APAC Chair of PBSA is nothing short of remarkable. We explore her path through startups, global leadership, and the power of saying yes to unexpected opportunities. Summa shares the wins, the failures, the clairvoyant doubts she crushed, and the deep “why” behind her commitment to compliance, education, and global progress. This conversation is a masterclass in resilience, strategic vision, and how passion can turn into purpose—even with two teenage sons, a cat, and a teapot collection in the background. You don’t want to miss this.
Pro Conversation You don’t want to miss!
1. From Small-Town Start to Global Impact
2. Building, Selling, and Scaling with Vision
3. Education, Privacy, and PBSA Leadership
4. True Crime, Teapots, and Life Beyond Screening
Summa’s story reminds us that the background screening industry thrives on resilience, curiosity, and community. If you’re just starting out or wondering where this career path can take you—her journey is proof that it can be as rewarding as it is unpredictable.
If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate, follow, and review Behind the Screens. Every review helps us bring these behind-the-scenes conversations to a wider audience. And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!
Connect with US:
- Les Rosen- https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesterrosen/
- Subscribe to our podcast- https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2400707.rss
- Subscribe to our YouTube Channel- https://www.youtube.com/@BehindtheSCreens200
This podcast is sponsored by:
The Preemploymentdirectory, publisher of the Background Buzz! https://preemploymentdirectory.com/
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal
Gregg Rosenthal and a rotating crew of elite NFL Media co-hosts, including Patrick Claybon, Colleen Wolfe, Steve Wyche, Nick Shook and Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic get you caught up daily on all the NFL news and analysis you need to be smarter and funnier than your friends.