I joined Kea as a lateral hire at the Vice President level and so my career has generally centred around execution and relationship building with key existing and new clients. One of the most rewarding parts of my career development to date has been to manage more junior colleagues through their career from Researcher to Consultant, something I find very enjoyable as I love helping others achieve their personal and professional goals.

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Be it your client, candidate or colleague, personal or professional, relationships are fundamental to the way we interact. If you put relationships first, and value them, then often everything else falls into place.
KEA

What does it take to be successful in your role?

CS

To be successful in my role, one needs to be thoughtful, inquisitive and commercial. There is also no substitute for drive, determination and hard work but probably the most important aspect of any headhunting role is the ability to listen to the client’s needs and be able to act and deliver accordingly.

KEA

What made you join Kea?

CS

I joined Kea because I wanted to work with the leader in the PE space and work with the most successful funds in the market. I also wanted to work in an environment where the culture is to enjoy yourself whilst working hard, and Kea does that to the letter.

KEA

What does success mean for you at Kea?

CS

I see the success of the business, team and individuals all inseparably linked and aligned. This means having a team of like-minded people who are enjoying and thriving in their roles, and who are happy outside and inside of the office. Ultimately, if all this occurs then it creates a cohesive and collaborative working environment which creates a truly great culture where people will enjoy coming to work and achieving their personal and life goals, whatever they may be.

KEA

Outside of Kea

CS

Outside of work, my passions and interests are keeping fit, playing golf and spending time with my wife and young daughter as well as having my finger on the pulse of London’s pop-up and newly-opened restaurant scene! None of these interests have a particular use in my day-to-day role at Kea, however I firmly believe that if you are able to find time to enjoy your passions and interests outside of work then that gives your body and mind the ability to rest and then be able to focus, learn and deliver when at work.

Kea is one of the most versatile, flexible and pioneering companies I’ve worked at.

The belief is that if you are happy at home then you will be happy at work and, as such, the company makes sure that you have the freedom, flexibility and downtime outside of work to be able to work effectively whilst also enjoying it.

My edge

I have a background in investment banking and investing which I find invaluable in helping me understand my clients’ needs and identifying the best candidates for the role. I also enjoy engaging with the detail of stakeholders’ wants, needs and motivations, which enables me to deliver accordingly.

Day to Day At Kea

It's extremely multi-faceted. I am intimately involved with the firm’s strategic direction, search execution, hiring and business development, as well as the management of several people in the team.

There is so much variety that no two days are the same which is exciting and keeps me on my toes. I find working with such hire calibre and truly intellectually curious colleagues inspiring and motivating, and ultimately drives me to be better at my job.