Alexandra Chirica, Founder of Recfindr, joins me to discuss her career journey that started when she was contemplating a career in law, then her segway into the recruitment industry, establishing her own recruitment agency during lockdown, and now launching the Rectech platform, Recfindr.

My conversation with Alex starts with some light-hearted banter about the Founder’s journey and the importance of wifi, she offers her insights and reflections on the recruitment industry, and she opens up about her personal and professional experiences that have shaped her entrepreneurial path.

Alex recounts her initial desire to pursue law, which stemmed from a longstanding ambition but ultimately shifted when she realised it wasn't a true calling. After completing her degree in English Literature, she felt lost in terms of career direction. Her entry into recruitment began incidentally during assessment days, where she unexpectedly found a fit in the role. Despite having no prior knowledge of recruitment, she flourished in the competitive environment.

She candidly emphasises the ethical challenges in the recruitment industry, reflecting on experiences that required a careful balance of trust between recruiters and candidates. She noted unprofessional practices in recruitment that exploit candidates' trust, stirring her moral compass. The discussion also touches on the difficulties faced by women in a male-dominated industry.

Transitioning to her entrepreneur phase, Alex shares how she co-founded Tale motivated by a desire to create a more ethical and candidate-centred recruitment experience. This venture exemplifies her commitment to upholding strong values in recruitment. At this point, we start to understand the origins of Recfindr, as the combination of her expertise in Fintech combined with recognising the value of specialised recruiters based on a niche model, really enhances efficiency and understanding in the hiring process.

Recfindr was conceptualised to address a gap in the recruitment market, where hiring managers often struggle to find suitable recruiters. Alex details her efforts to build an online community and how feedback has played a critical role in shaping the platform, also emphasising the importance of authenticity in personal branding and community building.

We explore her success with content creation and we deep-dive into her thoughts on the significance of creativity, resilience, and a solution-oriented mindset, as essential traits for Founders facing the uncertainties of entrepreneurship.

YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST FOLKS…

Alex wraps the conversation with BIG NEWS - she announces her ambitions for Recfindr over the next year, and her plans for angel investment to further enhance the platform's features and expand its user base. GET IN LINE INVESTORS!

MIC DROP! - We’re outta here….

Visit our website: https://nevermindthejobspec.com/

I'm super-excited to share this conversation with Michael Ekpe, Co-Founder of LEAP, as Michael's journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, the power of continuous learning, and his sense of adventure and desire to meet and exceed a challenge. 

Arriving in the UK at just 16 years old, Michael had to work tirelessly to put himself through college while living with his brother. His determination saw him earn a degree in Business Information Systems and Computer Networks, but his path was far from straightforward. After facing rejections from numerous graduate programs, Michael found himself working in a call centre. However, his story took a significant turn when he received a call from a company where he had interned, kick-starting his formal journey into technology transformation.

From there, Michael's career trajectory soared. He became known for his technical expertise in handling large-scale tech transformation projects with leading companies like Fujitsu, Tesco Bank, and Worldpay. His reputation for exceeding technical challenges in fast-paced environments paved the way for his entry into UK Central Government.

Michael’s government career included key roles at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, HM Treasury, and Public Health England. His journey into the C-Suite as Chief Digital & Technology Officer at Public Health England highlights his ability to navigate complex bureaucratic landscapes while driving digital innovation.

During our conversation, Michael shares his early experiences in the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, where he learned the intricacies of government operations and met mission-driven team members. He discusses his transition into the C-Suite, emphasising leadership through strategy and people over technical expertise. Michael openly talks about the successes and challenges he faced, and he pays tribute to a previous leader who significantly influenced his leadership style within the UK Central Government.

We also explore Michael's latest venture, LEAP – Learning through Engagement, Application, and Practice. He shares the inspiration behind LEAP, its mission, and the vision for the next 12 months. LEAP aims to close the digital skills gap in the public sector by combining the structure of formal training with the flexibility of informal learning, providing a practical, engaging, and collaborative learning experience.

For some additional context, Michael and I met 12-years ago, when I was working in a recruitment agency and my client was Worldpay, and Michael was a contractor open to discussing a new career challenge; this again, is a testament to how Michael values and invests in building long-term relationships. 

Michael Ekpe is a human you're going to get to know very well during this conversation - even as a self-confessed introvert - he has a magnetic personality that draws you in as you want to learn more about his incredibly entrepreneurial journey. 

Visit our website: https://nevermindthejobspec.com/

My Guest on this episode of the Never Mind The Job Spec podcast is Bianca Errigo, Founder of HumanOS. We delve into the extraordinary journey of Bianca, whose story is a testament to resilience, passion, and transformation.

Bianca's diverse interests and experiences have shaped her life and career in profound ways, leading to the creation of HumanOS, a platform dedicated to health and well-being.

We start by exploring Bianca's fascination with psychology and her unique interest in natural disasters and geography. She shares how her childhood experiences, including being bullied, ignited her passion for understanding the human mind and behaviour and why these early challenges laid the foundation for her future Founder's journey.

A significant turning point in Bianca's life was the sudden and rapid decline in her father Angelo's health. Faced with the urgency to support herself, Bianca took a job in technology sales. Despite working in a male-dominated environment, she quickly rose to the top as a No.1 sales person, driven by a goal-oriented approach that often meant 20-hour workdays. However, this relentless pursuit of success came at the cost of her own health and well-being.

Tragically, the loss of her father led to a collapse in Bianca's health, prompting her to take time out to travel and find her own sense of well-being—a journey she refers to as reclaiming her "crown of health." This period of self-discovery was pivotal, providing her with the insights and determination to shift her career focus.

During the pandemic, Bianca began online coaching in health and well-being, marking the first iteration of HumanOS. She started with a few online courses during lockdown, which eventually led her to become a certified personal trainer.

This experience significantly influenced her entrepreneurial vision, shaping the next steps of her journey. Bianca's Founder's story is not just about creating a wellness platform; it's about integrating her lived experiences into a holistic approach to health. HumanOS represents the culmination of her personal and professional journey, emphasising the importance of technology in amplifying accessibility to health and wellness in the workplace. However,

Bianca strongly believes that true wellness can only be achieved through human connections.

This is Bianca Errigo's incredible story of perseverance, growth, and the pursuit of holistic health and the experiences and insights that have driven her to create a platform that goes beyond traditional wellness solutions.

You can watch the full conversation on our YouTube channel here: Never Mind The Job Spec

Visit our website: https://nevermindthejobspec.com/

Join me as I reconnect with Katrina Collier, renowned author of The Robot-Proof Recruiter, to talk about her journey since 2020 - when she joined me the first time on the Never Mind The Job Spec podcast. 

Since our last conversation, Katrina has experienced significant changes and gained new insights, and she shares her journey of transition from pre-pandemic event management,  to writing her latest book, Reboot Hiring. 

We begin the conversation by delving into the origins of Reboot Hiring, and Katrina shares her exploration of the challenges recruiters face in setting up alignment meetings with hiring managers. These meetings, known as job briefs or kickoff calls, are essential for defining roles effectively. Katrina highlights the frustrations when managers refuse these meetings, leading to poorly defined job descriptions and unrealistic expectations. She emphasises the necessity of these meetings for understanding role needs, setting realistic timelines, and ensuring accountability from both parties.

The discussion shifts to how recruiters can transition from being service providers to strategic partners. Katrina shares insights on framing conversations with hiring managers and the importance of asking impactful questions. She stresses the need for recruiters to come prepared with market knowledge and to engage in a collaborative process. The focus is on demonstrating expertise and ensuring hiring managers are accountable in the recruitment process.

We then delve into the mission of Reboot Hiring, which aims to equip recruiters with tools and insights to transform their approach. The book includes real-life examples and contributions from 60 industry voices, offering practical advice for improving the recruitment process. Katrina discusses the importance of recruiters showcasing their value to avoid being replaced by technology.

As a friend, it’s natural that we focus on more personal topics, as Katrina shares her journey of healing from childhood trauma, she discusses her experience with emotional and physical abuse from a narcissistic parent and the transformative process of therapy. 

Reflecting on her professional journey, Katrina talks about how personal growth has influenced her recruitment career. She emphasises the need for setting boundaries, asking the right questions, and continuously demonstrating value in professional roles. The conversation also touches on cultural differences in communication styles and the importance of directness in professional environments.

We conclude the conversation with Katrina’s message of empowerment, where she encourages everyone to take control of their professional and personal journeys.

You can watch the full conversation on our YouTube channel here: Never Mind The Job Spec

Visit our website: https://nevermindthejobspec.com/

In this episode of Never Mind The Job Spec, we dive into a heartfelt and dynamic conversation with Nicolae Bogdan Bratis, a multifaceted musician and podcast producer.

The podcast kicks off with Nicolae sharing some exciting personal news—he's about to become a father in August/September this year. 

Nicolae shares  his journey from his small village in Transylvania to achieving national recognition on Romania's X Factor, and eventually moving to the UK to further his education and career in music production.

Nicolae recounts the significant influence of a mentor in his early years, who introduced him to the technical aspects of music production, sparking his interest in the broader music industry. He shares the challenges and triumphs of transitioning to life in the UK, including adapting to a new culture, overcoming language barriers, and finding his footing in a foreign land.

Despite the ups and downs, music remains a constant, grounding force for Nicolae. He talks about his experiences playing in bands, the importance of having a business plan for artists, and his passion for audio production, which led him to establish his podcast production company, Saspod.

Nicolae shares valuable insights from a pivotal conversation with a record label owner that changed his mindset, encouraging him to diversify his skills and explore multiple paths simultaneously. We explore the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, visualising future goals, and continuously striving for improvement.

Hear firsthand how Nicolae overcame initial struggles, leveraged his diverse skills, and built a business that not only supports clients' audio needs but also provides comprehensive coaching and consultation. His passion for quality and dedication to client success have shaped Saspod into a unique platform tailored to the needs of podcasters.

As Nicolae prepares to move from Southampton to Glasgow, driven by the desire for a better environment for his growing family and the ambition to expand his business, he shares his hopes for providing a nurturing and musical household for his child.

He also outlines his vision for the future of Saspod, including integrating new features like AI-driven show notes, video podcasting, and improved monetisation strategies. Throughout the conversation, Nicolae's resilience, ambition, and love for music shine through, offering listeners an inspiring story of dedication and adaptability.

Tune in to hear about Nicolae's journey, insights into the music and podcasting industry, and his exciting new chapter as a father.

Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a podcast enthusiast, or someone seeking motivation to pursue your dreams, this episode offers a wealth of practical advice and inspirational stories.

You can watch the full conversation on our YouTube channel here: Never Mind The Job Spec

Learn more about Saspod here

Visit our website: https://nevermindthejobspec.com/

Matyas and I first met over a shared interest in human-centred hiring, which naturally sparked my interest in his personal and career journey. Since that first meeting, we have had a host of conversations about the ever-evolving People and Talent space, and I’m incredibly excited to share this conversation that offers a window into the world of this incredibly kind, thoughtful, data-driven, and values-driven human-being.

We kickstart with Matyas’ first leap-of-faith from a small Hungarian village to the Congressional Internship Programme in Washington DC, where he shares his experiences of the US political system and the startup ecosystem, and how this shaped his career choices that led to roles at Global brands, ABInBev and PwC. We discover how his passion for startups developed, which led to the pivotal decision to join IKAWA, the coffee tech startup. 

Matyas opens up about his journey to self-awareness, including his experience coming out as a gay man and how therapy helped him accept himself, and how it informs their perspective on creating an inclusive workplace culture. He credits London and the UK for providing a supportive environment for his personal growth, and he shares the emotive story of meeting his husband, Rennan, and their upcoming move to Brazil. 

Throughout the conversation, it’s clear that Matyas’ pursuit of authenticity in his career choices, and the importance of embracing one's true self, inform his approach to the People & Talent space, as he emphasises the importance of building a strong recruitment function and cultivating a culture aligned with the company's values, including inclusivity and diversity. 

As the Head of Talent and People at InPlanet, Matyas shares his experience of maintaining cultural elements as an organisation scales, highlighting the need for conscious design in people practices to preserve values and behaviours that contribute to a positive workplace culture.

Matyas has an inspiring story, which serves as a guide for personal and professional development and discovery, bravery and conviction, and continuous learning through making positive human connections.

You can watch the full conversation on our YouTube channel here: Never Mind The Job Spec

Visit our website: https://nevermindthejobspec.com/

Kat joined me on the Never Mind The Job Spec - The Podcast to talk about her social impact entrepreneurship and we start with a key statement that is very important to Kat and her mission - 'What we cannot imagine, cannot come into being'.

The beauty of Kat is she will disrupt the norm, and she immediately flips-the-script and kickstarts the podcast by asking me a question which is really important, why? - Why do we do anything? When you know your why, it's a powerful space to be in from a mindset and action perspective.

We talk about how she has had to persuade people to see value in her, even though she's been starting businesses since she was 11 years old; and we explore her journey to being a Social Impact Entrepreneur and she shares her knowledge and experiences. 

It's so insightful to hear Kat talk about taking the longer route to clear a pathway for others to achieve their goals; her sense of responsibility to this approach is very inspirational.

A statement Kat made that really resonated with me when we discussed fundamental system change was, 'every system that is inequitable or non-inclusive was intentional' - and with this in mind, it starts to reframe your view on the DEI space. Are companies this brave to really ask this question of themselves and their companies?

I'm thankful to her for sharing this part of her personal life, because through sharing this experience, she really - and very powerfully illustrates the difference in experience of a black female in a largely white dominant workforce.

Kat describes herself as black, woman, queer, half-blind and autistic, and we explore how people respond to how she identifies herself, and how this intersects with her work as a DEI consultant. We explore The Well Work's mission to teach black women and non-binary Founders how to fund their ideas, and the outcomes from this community routed company are incredible.

This conversation was recorded back in April 2023 when Kat was travelling through the UK on her way back to the USA, as she was preparing to launch a new cohort for The Well Work, combined with a host of impactful initiatives, and I would encourage every listener to check her out Kat's profile and The Well Work website to see the powerful outcomes achieved so far.

You can watch the full conversation on our YouTube channel here: Never Mind The Job Spec

Visit our website: https://nevermindthejobspec.com/

"Human beings seek connection, they seek truth, and I think a lot of what leadership is, is about how to communicate truth in a way that galvanises people" - that was one of the standout moments in my conversation with Laurence Booth-Clibborn, Co-Founder of The Mothership.

In our conversation, we delve into Laurence’s fascinating journey, his passion for exploration and his bold curiosity, and how these qualities have shaped his diverse career to date.

As a self-described "classic insecure overachiever," Laurence discusses his dedication to growth and learning, we explore his entrepreneurial ambitions, we talk about the importance of embracing risk, and he he shares insights on overcoming scepticism, controlling nerves, and finding success on the bleeding edge. As Laurence says, "living on the bleeding edge, that's where you find real success."

From his early experiences in music, including a transformative Choir of Clare College Cambridge tour, to his role as a leader in the tech startup space, Laurence shares how he values building a culture of togetherness and high performance and he offers advice to other Founders, about the value of 'good' and 'kind' money within the venture funding and investment space.

Reflecting on the core themes throughout our conversation, it's clear that Laurence values building relationships, community and a culture of inclusion, and he mentions, "the thing I find most enjoyable is relationship building, it's a big part of my value system, keeping up with people, and always being someone to offer support and advice."

The choice for the title of this podcast then became very easy because Laurence is telling us his story of "The Journey of a Leader who Values Relationships, Community & Culture".

You can watch the full conversation on our YouTube channel here: Never Mind The Job Spec

Visit our website: https://nevermindthejobspec.com/

As the first guest on Season 2 of the podcast, I was really excited to delve into the career journey of Nick Brackenbury, the CEO of NearSt. Nick shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career path that led him to NearSt, and how his initial motivation was driven by a desire to maintain control over his destiny and work in an environment where creativity thrived, he said, "“I didn’t want to go down a route where I didn’t have control over my own destiny”.

Reflecting on his stroke of luck in being at the right place at the right time - “I was lucky, being at the right place, at the right time, with the right set of interests” - Nick emphasises the importance of seizing opportunities aligned with your personal interests.

A key turning point occurs as Nick decides to focus on digital creation over traditional advertising, highlighting the significance of carving a unique niche. Drawing from his experiences at Oglivy, Nick discusses the profound impact of good leadership on shaping his approach to working with people and subsequently running NearSt.

As Nick shares the story of NearSt, he offers valuable insights in building MVPs, the challenge of bridging the gap between two worlds of attribution, and the combined feelings of frustration and engagement that can influence you when you're solving novel problems in the business landscape.

I personally gained valuable insight from Nick's entrepreneurial journey, including the challenges of hiring in a startup, introducing the foundational elements of company culture, and his perspective on adapting the company's culture post-COVID, where he really emphasises the importance of being deliberate with time, both professionally and personally.

A consistent theme in the conversation with Nick, is his fearlessness when faced with new and complex challenges; his motto of "back yourself" really resonates loudly, as offers his 3 key pieces of advise for aspiring Founders and Co-Founders.

You can watch the full conversation on our YouTube channel here: Never Mind The Job Spec

Visit our website: https://nevermindthejobspec.com/

I’ve known Lee Thomas-Wragg since we both joined the Radical Recruit team together back in mid-2020. Lee is such an energetic, empathetic, and passionate human-being, and I have immense respect for him and how he is a leading figure deeply immersed in advocating for LGBTQIA rights and workplace diversity. 

Through this incredibly open conversation, Lee shares how, as an openly queer man living in London with his husband, he has had to overcome societal challenges and internal conflicts. He shares his experience of growing up, where he faced exclusion, bullying, and harassment, leading him to hide his true and authentic self, and he talks about how these experiences, and witnessing societal stigma, served to intensify his struggles with mental health. 

Professional Journey and Shifts in Perspective

We explore Lee’s professional journey and his focus on proving himself in a corporate world dominated by privilege and heteronormativity, and how his early career was driven by a desire to fit into a middle-class mould, resulting in financial success but personal dissatisfaction. We also discover how Lee's priorities shifted towards authenticity and empowerment, leading him to take on leadership roles that allowed him to support and inspire others.

The Role of Allyship

Importantly, we discuss the role of Allyship, and Lee advises to go beyond superficial support to active engagement; whether that’s speaking against untruths, championing marginalised voices, and being action-driven as opposed to the performative gestures on social media or in policy statements.

Challenges in Corporate Inclusivity

We delve into his experiences and opinions on policies and initiatives for diversity and inclusion, and how he has observed a disconnect between these efforts and their implementation in the corporate world. Lee acknowledges that there have been advances in gender diversity, other aspects, such as LGBTQIA inclusion, often aren’t as prioritised. Again, Lee emphasises the need for genuine representation and allyship, rather than tokenism, in the workplace.

Changing Hearts and Minds Consulting

Establishing Changing Hearts and Minds Consulting marks a change in Lee’s career and highlights his desire to quicken the pace and focus the direction of corporate inclusivity efforts. Through his consultancy, Lee talks about how he aims to foster real change through heart-centric approaches, combining his corporate savvy with a deep understanding of human empathy and diversity.

Lee also shares how he plans to continue to advocate for visible signs of support, such as displaying rainbow flags, to create an inclusive atmosphere. He stresses that while this may seem a small gesture, it can significantly impact individuals who feel marginalised or underrepresented.

Progression and Career Development within the LGBTQIA Community

Lee plans to leverage his strengths in empathy, emotional intelligence, and corporate experience to make a tangible difference in the lives of LGBTQIA individuals and the broader community, and we delve into the challenges LGBTQIA individuals face in career progression and development, and he highlights the importance of succession planning and creating opportunities for LGBTQIA talents to advance in their careers.

The Journey Ahead for the LGBTQIA Community

One of Lee’s greatest strengths is his optimism, and he expresses hope for the future of the LGBTQIA community, emphasising the need for unity and support within the community itself. He called for those in privileged positions to amplify the voices of the more marginalised members and to fight for equal rights for all.

You can watch the full conversation on our YouTube channel here: Never Mind The Job Spec

Visit our website: https://nevermindthejobspec.com/