The Counter Offer

Taking Action to Join the Top 1% with Lee McQueen

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What does it take to stay authentic and succeed in a world of challenges?

In this episode of The Counter Offer, Susanna sits down with Lee McQueen, entrepreneur, recruitment innovator, and winner of The Apprentice (Series 4). Lee shares his journey from humble beginnings to building multiple seven-figure businesses and reflects on the role of authenticity, resilience, and decisive action in achieving success.

The conversation covers Lee’s approach to recruitment, including his revolutionary take on hiring without CVs and his development of Phoenix 51, a platform that digitizes the assessment process. 

Lee also discusses the lessons he learned from working with Lord Sugar, the importance of asking tough questions in recruitment, and why coachability is a key trait for success. 

Packed with insights and inspiring stories, this episode is a must-listen for recruiters, entrepreneurs, and anyone striving to create a lasting impact in their field.

Must-Hear Insights and Key Moments

  • Authenticity on The Apprentice: Lee reflects on how staying true to himself during The Apprentice helped him win, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and relationship-building in both personal and professional settings.
    • The CV-Free Recruitment Revolution: Lee explains how a mistake on his CV inspired him to create a recruitment model that focuses on behavior and competencies rather than traditional resumes, leading to the creation of Phoenix 51.
      • Lessons from Lord Sugar: Key takeaways from working with Lord Sugar include simplifying processes, solving real problems, and taking consistent, decisive action.
        • Navigating the Pandemic: The challenges of COVID-19 pushed the transition to virtual assessment centers, showing how adaptability can lead to innovation and business growth.
          • The Importance of Tough Questions: Asking probing and sometimes uncomfortable questions is essential to understanding client needs and delivering impactful solutions.
            • Why Coachability Matters: Being open to learning and feedback remains a cornerstone of personal and professional growth, a principle that drives Lee’s coaching approach.


              • About Lee McQueen

              Lee McQueen is the Founder and CEO of the award-winning software business Phoenix 51, a platform revolutionizing how organizations assess and recruit top talent. Best known as the winner of The Apprentice (Series 4), Lee has over 25 years of experience in recruitment and sales, having built multiple seven-figure businesses. 

              Passionate about changing traditional hiring methods, he champions assessing behaviors and competencies over CVs. Lee’s journey, from humble beginnings to business success, highlights his commitment to innovation, authenticity, and empowering organizations to thrive.


              Connect with Lee McQueen:

              • LinkedIn
                • Website


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                    The Counter OfferBy Susanna Gray-Jones