In this episode of the Evolve to Succeed podcast, Warren speaks to Martin Smith, the founder of Talent Drive, about his journey as an entrepreneur and running a recruitment group of businesses.

Martin shares his early experiences in recruitment, the challenges he faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the growth of his company, Talent Drive. He discusses his aspirations to be a market disruptor and his passion for the procurement community.

Martin also talks about the expansion of Talent Drive into the accountancy and finance sector with the launch of Talent Finance and reflects on the growth and success of Talent Drive over the past four years. He emphasises the importance of focusing on the quality of people and building a trusted and valued team.

Martin discusses the future of the recruitment industry and the rise of ESG and sustainability. He also shares insights on workplace culture and transparent communication within a remote business. He envisions the future of Talent Drive as a growing international presence with a focus on diversification and a one-stop-shop service offering.

This episode of Evolve to Succeed covers…

● The challenges of starting a recruitment business.

● Overcoming obstacles such as COVID-19.

● What it takes to be a market disruptor in the recruitment sector.

● The effects of branching out into various business sectors.

● The importance of people and building a trusted team.

● The importance of trust, transparency and open communication.

Chapters

00:00 Becoming an Entrepreneur

10:02 Starting on Your Own

19:15 Early Days of Talent Drive

23:24 Market Disruption

25:49 Ventures into Accountancy and Finance

26:18 Building a Team

27:47 Opportunities in Finance

29:41 Quality of People

30:05 Creating a Great Business

33:26 Personal Life

35:24 Being Grounded

37:17 Thriving

41:37 Technology in Procurement

42:59 Emotional Intelligence

43:56 Remote Businesses

48:42 The Future of Talent Drive

50:58 Defining Success

In this episode of the Evolve to Succeed podcast, Warren speaks with Jess and Terry, the joint managing directors of Rubicon People, about their journey. From starting out as employees to leading an employee-owned business.

For anyone navigating joint leadership responsibilities, you certainly don’t want to miss out on this, as Jess and Terry provide invaluable advice and experiences around working as partners to manage a team.

They also discuss the evolution of Rubicon People, the challenges faced in the recruitment industry, and the impact of transitioning to an Employee Ownership Trust.

The conversation highlights the importance of good leadership, employee empowerment, and the future ambitions of the Rubicon People as they navigate the recruitment landscape.

This episode of Evolve to Succeed covers…

Jess and Terry’s journey within Rubicon People.

The transition to employee ownership and its effects on business culture.

How leadership styles evolve and are influenced by previous leaders.

How employee councils can play a crucial role in decision-making processes.

The importance of trust and autonomy in empowering employees.

Financial Freedom Day.

The recruitment industry and the ongoing skill shortages.

Chapters...

00:00 Introductions

02:55 Rubicon People

06:14 Previous Owners: Lloyd and Jocelyn

08:52 Becoming Joint Managing Directors

12:13 COVID and Market Changes

14:58 Employee Ownership Trust

17:49 Initial Reactions to Employee Ownership

21:10 Employee Councils

23:46 Leadership Styles

27:10 Empowering Employees

30:01 Challenges in Recruitment

32:48 Advice for Transitioning to Employee Ownership

36:06 Financial Freedom Day

38:57 Succession

41:54 Final Thoughts

In this incredibly inspiring episode, Mark Darcy shares his personal journey, from a challenging childhood to a successful business career and a subsequent struggle with mental health.

After a long battle, Mark eventually made a positive transition and now focuses on helping others through the New Forest Wellbeing Group and the Youth Wellbeing Group.

During the episode, Mark explains his new philosophy on life, where he dedicates his time earning, serving and learning – which has helped him discover true happiness in life.

He also talks about the importance of listening and creating a loving environment where everyone is understanding and supports one another. Mark also envisions the next phase of his life - focusing on well-being and community support.

This episode of the Evolve to Succeed Podcast covers…

● Seeking support and understanding one's own mental health.

● Transitioning from a challenging past to a fulfilling present.

● Helping others and creating a kind and loving environment.

● Finding balance in life by spending time earning, serving, and learning.

● Finding true happiness through meaningful experiences, not material possessions.

● Volunteering and getting involved in projects focused on mental health.

● Seeking professional help and prioritising one’s own mental health.

Chapters

00:00 Childhood

05:44 Business Career

11:09 Mental Health and Support

15:41 New Purpose and Helping Others

23:10 Community

25:10 Achieving Balance

28:03 Happiness

30:21 Basic Lifestyle

32:16 Are You Okay?

35:32 Life's Unexpected Challenges

36:29 Midlife Realisation

39:42 Loved Ones

41:40 Emotions and Openness

45:57 Avoiding Regret

49:50 Material Possessions

51:22 Pure Contentment