2021/2022: A year in review
As we move into a new financial year, we have taken some time to reflect on the past year – the year Suzie Walker Executive Search embarked on a new growth strategy. It has been a truly rewarding journey, meeting new clients and candidates, and continuing to work with those we enjoy an established relationship with.
We have said this many times, but 2021/2022 has proved to be extraordinary from a recruitment perspective. From the volume of senior leadership roles to the inflation of salaries, competition to counteroffers, it has never been a better time to move into the next stage of your career.
So, what have we been up to here at HQ?
Roles
Most importantly, the Suzie Walker Executive Search team placed numerous candidates in FTSE 350 and private equity backed companies, across a number of sectors, including: consumer services (financial services, Telco and FinTech), tech and software, healthcare, retail, and luxury goods. Our expertise, research and understanding of clients’ needs, roles and culture ensured that the best candidates were placed and our ambition for more women in senior roles was achieved.
Leadership development
In 2021, we also guided high-performing women into leadership development programmes, including Top Flight with The Pipeline, their flagship leadership programme for executive women. The Pipeline is a leading diversity business, founded by Margaret McDonagh, a businessperson and member of the House of Lords, and Lorna Fitzsimons, an advisor to blue chip companies and Whitehall.
In-person events
We were delighted to resume roundtable breakfast meetings in March this year and have met some fantastic candidates as a result. Our breakfast meetings are an opportunity for candidates to meet our MD and Founder, Suzie Walker, to network with non-competing peers, and to join a roundtable discussion on important topics. They are a terrific way to start the day, with lively and thoughtful discussion, and candidates leave feeling inspired.
The team
Our team grew from four to eight, including the addition of executive coaches to bring out the best in candidates as they embark on their new roles. Executive coaching is a tailored practice that develops talent through one-to-one sessions. It offers a safe and structured space for candidates to explore their strengths, barriers to success, and to establish goals, with a clear action plan for getting there. The Suzie Walker Executive Team have experienced executive coaching themselves, so can vouch for its positive effects on personal and professional development.
A rebrand
As part of our new strategy, we worked with designers and developers to re-brand and re-launch our website. The brand refresh has been rolled out across all platforms and communications, through content (including guidance for candidates), email (contact us to subscribe) and social media (posting market insights and trends), increasing unique website visitors by 46% since its launch. Suzie and Jo, our Director, also co-wrote The Plan for Performance report to support HR Directors and Talent Acquisition teams in the acquisition and retention of digital and performance marketing roles – a key growth area.
The future
Under Suzie’s leadership, we have a clear vision of limitless possibility for candidates, ensuring senior leadership roles are filled by the best talent to deliver growth and to achieve positive change. We are particularly passionate about the impact we can have on helping women and women of colour achieve senior leadership roles. The future looks bright, and we will support clients and candidates every step of the way.
If you are looking to hire or feel ready to move towards the next stage in your career, please get in touch or connect with us/send a message on LinkedIn.
With warmest regards,
the Suzie Walker Executive Search team
Suzie Walker Executive Search is a firm of specialist headhunters with an expert team recruiting interim and permanent senior leaders for marketing, data, digital and tech roles in FTSE 350 and private equity-backed companies. Find out how we can support you by connecting with a Consultant below.