Don Watson’s Post

When I engage with an executive, it’s not just the company and the role I think through with them. It’s really about life. We spend so many hours of our day with the people we work with, so it’s essential for me that the company/role aligns with the executive and what they want. It’s something I very much take to heart when someone is deciding to join a Greylock portfolio company. I want that journey to positively impact what the executive is optimizing for in life. So, if you are considering a new role, ask yourself: “What am I optimizing for?” It will help you clarify the right next step for you. 

Want to land your dream role? Then remember, the hiring manager is looking for a SOLUTION to solve a problem. To land that role, you need to position your value as the BEST solution. #careercoaching #executivecoaching

Managers, would you consider hiring someone overqualified for the position that they applied for or do you immediately assume they’ll jump ship if a better job or a higher salary comes along? Does one’s tenure at a previous company say anything to you? Are you concerned about people who have one, two or three years at each company? What about someone who’s been a sales rep their entire career with no advancement? what if they haven’t won presidents club over and over again? Do their hobbies and accomplishments tell you anything that you can’t see in their career? Are you making sure that your team is diverse in every way or are you being told to pick a diversity candidate? your GOAL is to hire successful people (or excellent potential), but your JOB is to develop ALL of your people to be successful.

🤷♂️ How did I end up in recruitment? A question I often get asked. Hardly a natural progression from a Sport & Exercise Science degree. The short story is that I was at a crossroads and after a few 🍻 at a BBQ, a mate told me I'd be good at it (he was making some decent 💰 at the time). Fast forward three weeks and I was in a new job, having moved from South Devon to Bristol, and soaking up every bit of knowledge that Emma Ponsonby Assoc CIPD and John Blackburn could throw at me (imagine trying to understand what a #QualityManager was, and how the #automotive industry worked, at the same time as making your first ever sales calls 😫). A highly competitive and highly charged environment to cut your teeth in, but I thrived, and loved it. Home of the original #lockdown 🙄 But the real truth is that I wanted to be financially rewarded for my hard work, effort and sacrifice, and there are few better jobs (with the qualifications I had) to be able to do that, in a relatively short space of time. I wanted to learn how the commercial world worked, to be able to interact with dozens of businesses every week. To speak with MD's, Ops Directors, HR leaders, Talent professionals, Procurement, Finance etc, and be able to learn to hold my own in those conversations. To see if I could really sell and create opportunity, partnerships and trust in a B2B environment. While my motivations are no longer purely centred around financial gain, and my role is different these days, the industry still gives me a buzz, over 12 years down the line. Thanks Jono, I still appreciate that chat mate (Sadie Franke) - even if some days I curse you for ever introducing me to this rollercoaster 🤣 Nobody grows up wanting to work in recruitment (no matter what they tell you), but if you feel like the above sounds like you. I promise you that there is no better place to learn and develop, than Reed. Reach out to Tak Li, Anna Huggins, Kayleigh Hersey or Matt Heather if you think my story sounds like you! We're #hiring all over the country. #Reed #LifeAtReed #Recruitment #ReedScientific #ReedFood Ian Nicholas Claire Harvey Mike Harrison Collette Huckle Prema Moran Matthew White FREC Matt Pope

I wonder if I'm the only one who grew up hearing "Jack of all trades, master of none" as the entire quote. It wasn't until a few years ago someone quoted the whole phrase, and it really surpised me.  Success often stems from a multitude of passions. While expertise may be concentrated in one area due to focused energy, successful individuals tend to excel in various endeavors Thomas Wolfe said "We are the sum of all of our parts".  I believe this is the most accurate depiction of a human who also happens to be a professional. I joke that my full time career recruiting in the industrial distribution and supply chain management field and my business as a beauty professional (sunless tanning) couldn't be more different, but that's not true. The core of everything I do is building relationships. If I wasn't passionate about people, I would pick a different line of work. My experience in various industries has allowed me to try new things, meet new people, and to discover what gets me excited to go to work. The biggest lesson I learned in the past five years: It's never too late to explore your passions and try something new! #career #passion #networking #professionalgrowth

Breaking news!! 🚨I once hired someone that came across as an introvert into a sales position, they are now a Vice President at the same organization I was trained by an intern after leaving a supervisor position, she had more tenacity and grit than I’ve seen in my career I worked alongside someone that was 60 in a job that required us to be on our feet all day, there were times that he had twice the amount of energy that I did I was managed by someone without a college degree that began their career knocking on doors, he now earns a six figure salary and is a leader at a Fortune 500 company (a favorite role model!) One of my former colleagues used to commute 4 hours to work before being able to put money down on a lease, they now have a comfortable savings and travel the world Judging someone’s current circumstance, background or history says more about you than it does about them! When you judge a book by its cover, your arrogance and privilege is showing 🫡 Where you start doesn’t need to be where you finish, when you underestimate someone’s capabilities you might just miss out on the chance to learn from someone incredible ✨ #recruiterlife #salesdevelopment #careertips

Ever felt the thrill of going with your gut and reaping the rewards?💥 Just today, I guided a candidate who is applying for a managerial post. Guess what happened? The door of opportunity🚪 didn't just creak open, it swung wide! The hiring manager is not just interested, they're intrigued!🤔 This isn’t just another day at the office for me, it’s a testament to the power of trusting professional expertise.💼 Think about it - when was the last time you entrusted your career to a seasoned professional and saw success🏆 knocking on your door as a result? Be bold. Let wisdom guide your decisions and watch the magic unfurl.Catch hold of the hand of opportunity and let it lead you to unexplored territories. Are you ready to trust, dare and succeed? Let’s make it happen! 💪 #primacreationconsultants

Remember what it was like to be new? Throwback to my second sales conference ever (no photographic evidence of me dressed as an astronaut from the first time!) They were always fancy dress and fun! But, as a Graduate, it was a bit of a social and professional minefield. I lived in fear of doing or saying the wrong thing. I’d forgotten I'd felt like that. As we progress in our careers, especially when we become experienced managers, we can forget what it’s like to be new and figuring out a new team, new manager, new culture. Even if someone has moved within the organisation, there’s a lot to navigate. So, remember the last time you were new and think about what you could do to support someone around you who is stepping into a new role. #throwbacktuesday #firsttimemanager #newbie #onboardingexperience

2024, making sure the right people are in the right roles, with the right companies and the right teams! My goal is to help as many people as i can to reach their career goals, and that those career goals tie into the best the companies for them. I look to create marriages in the placements both the person the company and the teams. #ladyofsteelconsulting #creatingcareermovesthatarereal #leadershipresearchtruth #recruitingtodayfortomorrow Lady of Steel Consulting

There is a difference between positional authority and personal authority. Personal authority is the ability to informally influence. This is done through one’s ability to build relationships and influence others through personal attributes and qualities. Positional authority provides access to resources and people to make a significant impact to the business. Which in turn, provides those with high degree of personal authority to grow their impact. I agree Brianna Doe, titles do matter! #OrganizationalCulture #RelationshipsMatter #EmployeeRecognition