Oliver James’ Post

Another short clip in the training series 'The Journey', follow Oliver James to keep a look out for what's to come next! Just one of the many reasons I joined Oliver James (almost 8 years ago now!), was the aspirational leadership. During my first conversation with the recruitment team I couldn't quite believe what these Managers/Regional Directors had achieved in terms of career trajectory, network and of course, performance (revenue generated). Those case studies given to me as examples of fast-track progression and billing figures were not something I had thought was honestly possible, during my first 12 months in the industry. I went with my gut and interviewed, something I was almost skeptical about became a reality when I saw it all for myself, and I'll never forget those first interviews Rick Davis, Charlotte Rigby Alyson Andrews. Instead of being intimidated I relished that I would be surrounded by the top percentile of performers, not just within Oliver James, but the industry as a whole. Who better to learn from? If you want to enhance your career prospects or earnings in recruitment, or even if you're just starting out in the industry, I'd love to chat with you about how Oliver James will set you up for success. Don't hesitate to get in touch with me. #AspirationalLeadership #Recruitment #CareerProspects #OliverJames #TheJourney

Leadership diaries

Continuous learning is what sets you up for promising potential. This potential is well maximized when you start leading the charge for a department and pass on what you have learned to other teammates. One employee who has consistently done this from day 1 is Carlos Roman. After just six months at Van Martin, we promoted him to Production Manager. Please join us in congratulating Carlos on his well-earned promotion! "This promotion means greater responsibility, new challenges, and opportunities for growth in my career. Working for Van Martin has been one of the greatest things that has happened to me, not just professionally but personally, with how much time has been invested in me to help me grow. Van Martin's commitment to employee development and core values is something we should all emulate. I look forward to learning and developing more skills and forging strong connections with my team to reach new heights together. I'm determined to leave a mark, both professionally and personally, and to continue to grow and excel in my career journey." - Carlos Roman, Production Manager #continuouslearning #corevalues #promotion #welldone

Yes! Sometimes, the importance of practice wisdom stemmig from passionate hearts that gained empathy & resilience through adversity gets overshadowed by other impressive qualities tied to skills & the length of professional experience. Some personal qualities & insights are so precious that they can’t be trained or obtained as credentials & skills.

At Baker Collins & Co., we believe in empowering every member of our team to reach their full potential. That's why professional development isn't just a perk, it's a core value! Here's how it benefits everyone: - Individuals: Sharpen skills, boost confidence, and unlock exciting career paths. - Teams: Collaboration thrives when everyone brings their A-game. - Company: Innovation flourishes with a skilled and motivated workforce. We invest in a variety of resources, from industry conferences to online learning platforms, to ensure everyone has access to the tools they need to grow. Do you have a burning desire to learn something new? Let your team know! We're here to support your journey. #professionaldevelopment #welearnandgrowtogether #teameffectiveness

When I look back on my career so far, all my memories are of interactions with people I remember the trainer from Force Management telling an entertaining story I remember the exact phrase and accent (I won’t try it) of the call when I got a Yes on my first big deal Most importantly I remember lots of fun, weird and whacky moments with friends. I don’t remember – The deal terms – The forecasting  – The emails I sent  – The number of calls I took My memories are all about interaction with human beings. Thats what this industry is about. Genuine connection with colleagues, clients and partners. Real shared moments in history, real fucking life. Don’t let what happens at the end of any one quarter, the pressure to hit a number, the excitement about a product, the feeling about your training or anything at all take away from one simple fact… Your job is to be human. Enjoy the human moments. 

This week marks my one-month milestone with WK Dickson & Co., Inc.. I recently came across an insightful article by Andrew Astleford, "8 Reflections After Starting a New Job," prompting me to reflect on my own journey during the past month. Reflecting on my experiences has been invaluable. It has allowed me to assess my professional capabilities, goals, and emotional responses. By outlining my opportunities, needs, goals, and routine, I can collaborate with my supervisor to enhance my professional growth while benefiting both myself and the company. A key lesson for me has been not to put too much emphasis on past experiences. While I recognize my transferable skills, the AEC industry holds vast unknowns for me. Rather than diving in headfirst and doggy-paddling my way through the workload (often becoming overwhelmed), my onboarding has taught me the importance of taking things step by step, allowing work to surface naturally as I grasp the task at hand. Astleford's advice, "Early in your job, don’t be afraid of how little you know. It means you’re uncomfortable. It means you’re growing. It means you’ve validated why you sought a change," deeply resonated with me. Work is a necessity for most adults, so why not find joy in the process? Embracing our lack of knowledge can lead to significant personal and professional growth. #newjob #reflection #professionaldevelopment

I believe that teams thrive when they’re built on more than just talent—they’re built on shared values. Our approach to career coaching for teams starts with Clarity of Mind—making sure every team member understands their role, what drives them, and how they fit into the bigger picture. Then comes Clarity of Objectives—aligning individual goals with the team’s mission, all rooted in core values that keep everyone focused and committed. Finally, it’s about Organizing to achieve those Objectives—fostering a team culture that’s not just about getting the job done but in a way that matters. When each team member is locked into their purpose, the team becomes unstoppable. This isn’t just team-building—it’s building a team driven by purpose, motivated by values, and focused on long-term success. At TMG Hospitality, we make sure your team is working smarter, together, and with meaning. The McFadden Group Restaurant & Hospitality Career Coaching...Done a Little Differently Would love to connect - christopher@tmg-hospitality.com

How to know you’re in the right career: You’re happy to wake up. Your company respects your work/life balance and advocates vacations and time off. Training and CEs don’t feel demeaning. Your company respects and loves their customers. And your customers respects and loves your company. Sometimes they even bring small gifts to show their appreciation. Your managers are interested in helping you grow, they take your suggestions into consideration and they don’t condescend to you. They actually mean it when they say they want you to succeed! - this one might be the biggest one - They provide mentorships, actual advancement opportunities, leads, support to reach your goals, realistic goal setting, no constant nagging when you struggle, and they’re willing to PAY YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

I stand by this -- how you show up is 80% of how successful you will be in any role or space. Authentic positivity and a service orientation removes friction from so many interactions. The rest can be learned. Overheard a conversation about the largest knowledge gap leaders in a company are facing and where they plan to invest heavily in training - customer service and bringing a positive attitude when interacting with new clients.