Matthew Gardner’s enviable career trajectory has been fuelled by equal parts openness and hard work, a combination that aligns with Ambition’s overall ethic of excellence. As the international staffing and recruitment firm’s Managing Director for the US, UK and Europe, he brings to this episode of Leaders with Ambition a unique insider’s perspective on the legal and professional services industries.Matt shares with Host Nicky Acuna Ocana the true north values that propelled him from his initial role as a trainee fresh out of university to the highest reaches of global management. He highlights lessons learned from key mentors who helped him navigate as a brand new recruiter facing a historically challenging job market and reflects on a career-defining early managerial stint in Singapore.You’ll hear about the priority Matt places on fostering a diverse, inclusive workplace environment and what it is about the recruitment space that has kept him engaged. “We’ve grown up with people through their careers – seen them get married, have children,” says Matt, who started at Ambition 16 years ago. “To be part of that is incredibly rewarding and we’re in a privileged position to be able to make positive impacts.”In looking ahead, Matt sees seismic change (both market shifts and tech innovation) in the legal and professional services space as well as equally tremendous opportunity for growth. He also shares words of wisdom for aspiring leaders, including advice about the importance of seeking out first-rate colleagues and taking control of our careers – successes and failures alike.“The best feedback generally is the worst feedback, the most confronting, the feedback that makes you feel most uncomfortable in the moment,” says our guest. “But if you work through that and don’t put barriers up …you’ll grow.”Chapters00:00 Introduction to Matthew Gardner's Journey01:25 Early Life and Career Aspirations06:22 Discovering Recruitment and Career Path13:32 Building Relationships in Recruitment19:33 Navigating Early Career Challenges22:26 International Experience in Singapore30:01 Returning to the UK and New Challenges37:19 Achieving Directorship and Future Goals39:51 Adapting to the Pandemic and Leadership Response41:46 Navigating Challenges During COVID-1952:36 Embracing Flexibility and Support in the Workplace01:04:09 Transitioning from Management to Leadership01:11:48 Current Challenges in Professional Services01:18:01 Words of Wisdom for Career Growth