Working on multiple searches has improved my client interfacing skills and inculcated an agile and flexible approach to both delivering and showcasing our executive search and assessment services to an array of clients.
Q&A with Jamie
1. Tell us about your path here. Why did you choose to join Acertitude?
My people-focused career began at McKinsey & Company based in Munich, where I wrote my MBA thesis on the war for talent in emerging markets. I later led partner hiring for the McKinsey RTS Group across EMEA. My next step was to Egon Zehnder in London, and then to Skillcapital, all the while honing my experience in Industrials, Business Services, Private Equity, and pre-deal.
Down the line, I was searching for a role at a fast-paced search firm, and an opportunity at Acertitude arose. I later found out that my fellow Skillcapital colleagues were also joining, and after meeting Guy and his team, felt that it was a natural destination and platform through which to build my career. Acertitude has a higher bar for culture and quality than I've ever seen and is special because we can narrow our focus and become experts in what we do. These key differentiators have been instrumental in fueling motivation, enjoyment, and personal growth throughout my three-year tenure here.
2. Describe a day in your life. Favorite parts of your job?
As a principal, I manage researchers who work with me on assignments, set goals and steer projects. My day is largely punctuated by overseeing multiple professional services searches, which involve client update meetings, interviews with pre-screened candidates, and ensuring client reports and documentation are completed accurately and on time. My favourite part of the role is meeting and interviewing interesting and high performing leaders, as I enjoy hearing their stories and how they have developed personally and professionally. Additionally, I find fulfillment in the hands-on side of identifying and engaging new candidates, as well as strategising and problem solving with my team around the best way to approach searches, potential challenges, and next steps.
As an organisation, we are committed to offering our clients best-in-class executive search and pre-deal services, which requires dedication around developing our junior team members wherever we can. I am also making the transition to a commercially focused consultant role, so I spend time developing client opportunities.
3. What is special about working here?
I enjoy the flexible, entrepreneurial approach to business. Unlike some other firms, there isn't the feeling that you are pigeon-holed into one business area - quite the opposite. I like that politics are kept to a minimum and I am surrounded by collegiate, high quality, and thoughtful colleagues who aspire to make a difference and build a distinctive and impactful organisation.
Everyone is valued and despite one's level, each person has a voice and is included. In 2022, our Nashville team offsite demonstrated this, and additionally showed how committed we are to being one, globally connected firm.
4. How has Acertitude helped you grow and perform at your best?
Acertitude has been positive for my development, and I have taken on more responsibility than ever before. I have been pushed out of my comfort zone at times, but always with guidance and support on-hand. Consequently, I have grown from a senior associate to a principal, having been promoted in June 2022.
Co-developing the Professional Services practice has, at times, been challenging due to the sheer volume of assignments we have worked on. My journey over the last three years has honed my skillset in managing different and nuanced stakeholders and clients. Working on multiple searches has improved my client interfacing skills and instilled in me an agile and flexible approach to both delivering and showcasing our executive search and assessment services to an array of clients.
5. In what ways - big or small - do you live out our mission of unleashing human potential?
1) In terms of internal talent development, I hope that by treating people fairly and providing an environment where individuals feel supported and valued, they can succeed by being the best version of themselves.
2) By acting with integrity towards clients, and providing them with sustainable leadership solutions rather than just filling positions in a transactional manner.
6. What advice do you have for people looking to join Acertitude? What qualities do people need to be successful here?
Acertitude is a firm to investigate if you are looking to be part of a platform that you would like to contribute to and shape, as we are constantly growing and evolving. We roll up our sleeves and have the appetite to contribute and build something amazing. I think the three main attributes required to be successful here are:
1) Curiosity: Being open to working on searches where you might not have a network on in-depth understanding, so you need to get smart quickly.
2) Agility: To have the capacity to work effectively on multiple and different projects at any given time.
3) Resilience: We value people who can keep a brave face during times of adversity, when searches fall over, and workloads expand.
Jamie at a glance:
| Our culture is: | Values driven, supportive, and results focused. |
| I live by the fundamental: | If you do not have the time to do it right, when will you find the time to do it over? |
| The most valuable lesson I've learned is: | Making sure the team knows they are working with you, not for you. |
