Meet the team: AJ Marsh
The Suzie Walker Executive Search team has worked with hundreds of candidates and clients. So, we think it’s time for you to get to know us all a little better, to see what inspires us and what advice we would offer to clients and candidates in this fast-moving recruitment market.
Meet AJ Marsh, Client Services Director. AJ has joined the team at a time when we’re seeing exceptional growth in senior marketing, data, digital and tech roles, and significant expansion of our interim practice.
AJ brings a wealth of both talent acquisition and executive search experience to the firm, having worked at Executive Search firms, Korn Ferry and Odgers and previously held Group Executive Talent roles within FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 retail, consumer services and telco firms: Primark, Halfords, and Vodafone. AJ is also a member of the RL100 – an invite-only European peer network for in-house resourcing leaders.
Alongside Suzie and the team, AJ supports senior leaders into the next stages of their careers, consults with clients on their resourcing needs, and identifies business development opportunities.
AJ, what led you to executive search and what do you enjoy most about it?
I love the variety of the role, meeting new people and I’ve always thrived when under pressure. I also enjoy the psychology of working with different clients and high-performing candidates. It’s an exciting time to return to an executive search consultancy and I am delighted to work with Suzie - we have the same ethos about customer experience.
Your in-house experience gives you a unique perspective. How can talent acquisition teams work alongside executive search firms to get the best out of the recruitment process?
When I first started working in talent acquisition, I would think I had failed if I used a consultancy firm. However, I quickly realised that I couldn’t fill every role and had to prioritise my time, so working with a trusted firm was the best option for my stakeholders and the business. A specialist executive search firm is more of an extension to the business and when correctly utilised it’s a perfect partnership.
What do you think will be a priority for clients over the next few years?
I see interim being a huge focus for businesses going forward. If the last few years have taught us anything, companies need to be agile and show flexibility to both customers and employees. Suzie Walker Executive Search has seen huge growth in the number of senior interim marketing and interim digital roles, and this looks set to continue throughout 2023.
What would you say are the top three considerations for candidates when looking to make their next career move?
Firstly, culture, combined with work-life balance. I think this has been highlighted in recent years, with people considering what’s important to them and how getting a good balance is key.
Secondly, what are the progression opportunities beyond this role? Candidates want to see a career path and a future within the business.
Thirdly, trust your instincts. If it doesn’t feel right now, it never will. Also, ask people you trust because they have your best interests at heart and will know you very well.
And, what would you say clients are now seeking? How important are soft skills and company culture alongside technical expertise?
Soft skills are critically important, demonstrating effective leadership and the ability to build trust across a company is the biggest asset to anyone's professional toolkit.
Finally, what piece of career advice has stayed with you and could help others?
Be yourself and have confidence in the path you’ve chosen to follow but also giving yourself the freedom to adjust your sails because you never know where your career might take you - the opportunities are endless.
Thank you for sharing with us today, AJ.
If you’re looking to hire a senior leader or if you’re ready to make your next career move, please don’t hesitate to get in touch or connect with us/send a message on LinkedIn for details.
Suzie Walker Executive Search is a firm of specialist headhunters with an expert team recruiting interim and permanent senior leaders for marketing and digital roles in consumer-facing FTSE 350 and private equity-backed companies. Find out how we can support you by connecting with a Consultant below.
