What was your earliest dream job?

Believe it or not, I don’t actually know! I never sat there as a kid and thought “I want to do this”, so I didn’t have a clear view about what career path I wanted to take. However, what I did always know is that I wanted to work for myself, and to make the world a better place, one step at a time.

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

I was working at a charity event for the Samaritans that a family friend was putting on, and I was selling the raffle tickets. He asked: “You like selling stuff, don’t you? Why don’t you come and work for me?”. He explained he owned a legal recruitment company. I gave it a go, and found I really enjoyed speaking to people, as well as the thrill of the chase.

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

Richard Branson. I was attending a specialist school for kids with dyslexia in Reigate, and he spoke to me about his dyslexia and told me it was a superpower. To hear someone as successful as him explain that it’s something to be embraced, rather than to shy away from, was really inspiring and played a pivotal role in guiding me along my entrepreneurial path.

What do you love most about your current role?

Seeing the people who we work with go on their journey to success, and rediscovering a love of what they do. The desire to help people in this way is what gets me out of bed in the morning.

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

There are two that really stand out. The first is when I had a £100k month while working solo in the early days of ALS. The second is when I brought in the first few people to work for the company. I can’t explain how proud I felt that people wanted to come and join me in my venture. I have amazing people working for me, and I really couldn’t have done all of this without them!

Laugh or cry, what did your most memorable candidate make you want to do and why?

Laugh. I was in a professional interview with a client and a candidate started talking about risqué escapades in the park and exotic piercings in unusual places. Don’t ask…

What would you regard as your signature tune?

Because ALS is on such a roll and our team is expanding, I think Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen perfectly encapsulates the mood right now!

What did you learn about yourself during the pandemic?

I learned to be a much nicer human…

I became way more interested in others and helping towards the greater good. My wife had two heart attacks and my second child was born that year, so the pandemic was the least of my worries!

Alex Dick Founder, Alexander Lyons Solutions

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