What was your earliest dream job?

I love working in recruitment, but I certainly didn’t dream of going into it when I was growing up. I wanted to be an actor and as a teenager I spent my summers at Manchester Youth Theatre. There is definitely a performance element needed in consulting. The nerves and thrill of a big pitch – I love it.

What was your first job in recruitment and how did you come into it?

After my master’s degree I applied to the big accounting and consulting firms but realised that wasn’t for me. I sent my CV to a graduate recruitment firm who put me into Harvey Nash, on their sales team. Classic recruitment sales – 10 calls by 10am etc. It’s a world away from Anderson Quigley but I appreciated what it taught me.

Who is your role model – in life or in recruitment?

I am a big Welsh rugby fan and a huge admirer of Warren Gatland and his approach to leading people, and the care and consideration he shows for their personal lives. The loyalty that builds in a group is a big driver around the culture and benefits we have at Anderson Quigley.

What do you love most about your current role?

I’m one of the founders and owners of Anderson Quigley, but our partner-led approach means I am absolutely at the coalface of delivery. This gives me the variety of running the business and delivering for clients and candidates. Then there’s the joy and pride of seeing our team develop themselves professionally and personally.

What would you consider to be the most brilliant moment of your career?

That’s easy – March 2017, the month we established Anderson Quigley.

What would you regard as your signature tune?

Not the coolest of answers, but there is a Welsh lullaby called Suo-Gân, which means a lot to me. It’s a song about protection and responsibility. Spielberg used it in the film Empire of the Sun years ago. It’s been played at various Pritchard family events, from my wedding to my dad’s funeral. It’s beautiful and haunting.

The last few years have been a bit of a rollercoaster, due to Covid-19, technology changes and various global crises. What have you learnt about yourself during these turbulent times?

You can’t fix everything yourself. Surround yourself with the best people, focus on relationships, and remember there is opportunity in everything.

What personal qualities do you think are needed to lead through change and uncertainty?

Leadership is about listening rather than broadcasting. If you’re in a leadership role, you have two ears but only one mouth, so listen more.

Ed Pritchard spoke with journalist Roisin Woolnough

Image credit | Shutterstock | Annie Armitage | Alamy