The Journey of a Search CEO

Candice Bourne
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The Journey of a Search CEO explores the personal and professional stories behind leaders in executive search and recruitment. Hosted by Candice Bourne, each episode unpacks lessons in growth, culture, exit planning, and leadership—offering honest, behind-the-scenes insights for founders navigating the challenges of building and selling a successful search business.

  1. 18h ago

    Chris Drake speaks about redefining recruitment, entrepreneurship and building a business on relationships.

    In this episode, Candice Bourne has an energising conversation with Chris Drake, Founder & Managing Partner of Drake Darcy in which he shares his love of the industry and how he has developed from running his own small business, to working for large recruitment firms and is now enjoying being part of a global partnership.

    Chris Drake speaks about redefining recruitment, entrepreneurship and building a business on relationships.

  2. Jul 17

    Neil French and Rory Mcdermott, Co-Founders of STOIX, discuss the importance of building a modern executive search firm, embracing innovation and cherishing their trust-driven partnership.

    In this episode. Candice Bourne has an energising conversation with Neil French and Rory Mcdermott. Co-Founders of STOIX, in which they share the story of how they created the disruptive search firm after working together in a regional accountancy recruitment company and realising how compatible they are despite being very different.

    Neil French and Rory Mcdermott, Co-Founders of STOIX, discuss the importance of building a modern executive search firm, embracing innovation and cherishing their trust-driven partnership.

  3. Jul 10

    Billy Stephenson talks about his approach to building trust and a solid reputation, and leading with purpose in a fast-moving world.

    In this episode, Candice Bourne is joined by Billy Stephenson, Founder of Stephenson Executive Search, who reflects on 14 years of building a boutique firm on a foundation of trust and reputation and why being nimble, team-focused, and relationship-driven matters more than chasing revenuetargets.

    Billy Stephenson talks about his approach to building trust and a solid reputation, and leading with purpose in a fast-moving world.

  4. Jul 3

    Liz Jones talks about her shift from former a global agency leader to executive search firm, why great hiring depends on understanding people beyond CV's and leadership instinct in a changing market.

    In this episode, Candice Bourne talks to Liz Jones who has formed a niche media and marketing search firm Conker after a corporate career in sales. Her story shows how following your passions alongside life coaching can lead to a transformative career.

    Liz Jones talks about her shift from former a global agency leader to executive search firm, why great hiring depends on understanding people beyond CV's and leadership instinct in a changing market.

  5. Jun 19

    Christina Brooks speaks about how her business was shaped around her experience of best practice in other search firms the pro bono work they do in prisons and her goal for broader diversity.

    In this episode, Candice Bourne talks to Christina Brooks, Founder & CEO at Ruebik who shares her unique story from starting work in fashion at 15 to working at the BBC before launching her successful career in search where she is really making a difference in inclusion.

    Christina Brooks speaks about how her business was shaped around her experience of best practice in other search firms the pro bono work they do in prisons and her goal for broader diversity.

  6. Jun 12

    Mark Moreau talks about his leadership principles, respectful honesty with clients and candidates, peer learning, and embracing technology as the future of search evolves.

    This is a compelling listen. In this episode, Candice Bourne speaks with Mark Moreau, President and CEO of Elevate Talent, who reflects on his leadership journey from his early career in the leisure industry to his current role. He shares valuable insights into his core values, leadership approach and offers a fascinating perspective on the dynamic industry sectors that Elevate serves.

    Mark Moreau talks about his leadership principles, respectful honesty with clients and candidates, peer learning, and embracing technology as the future of search evolves.

  7. Jun 5

    Jodi Kaelle and Kelvin Thompson chat about their different journeys into search, competing with the SHREK firms and how they have built a very successful business with the foundation of great work.

    In this great conversation with the two co-founders of MontaRosa, Candice Bourne speaks with Jodi Kaelle and Kelvin Thompson and they discuss how their very different backgrounds led to careers in search and how they have built an excellent brand for the last 18 years with MontaRosa.

    Jodi Kaelle and Kelvin Thompson chat about their different journeys into search, competing with the SHREK firms and how they have built a very successful business with the foundation of great work.

  8. May 30

    Kumaran Surenthirathas discusses his proudest achievements, his investment in developing graduates, and how building a strong team of young talent has been the heart of the success of his business.

    In this episode, Candice speaks with Kumaran Surenthirathas, Founder and Managing Director at Rosehill Search. Kumaran shares how after a tough start to his career, he joined a high growth contingent business where he shone in Front Office Search. He discusses how that led him into starting Rosehill Search from scratch 10 years ago and how it is now a global leading front office search business.

    Kumaran Surenthirathas discusses his proudest achievements, his investment in developing graduates, and how building a strong team of young talent has been the heart of the success of his business.
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The Journey of a Search CEO explores the personal and professional stories behind leaders in executive search and recruitment. Hosted by Candice Bourne, each episode unpacks lessons in growth, culture, exit planning, and leadership—offering honest, behind-the-scenes insights for founders navigating the challenges of building and selling a successful search business.

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