Douglas Jackson

Almost 60% of CEOs expect global growth to increase over the next 12 months, according to the newly released PWC Global CEO Survey. 42% expect to increase headcount over the next 12 months, yet another 42% of CEOs believe their company will not be viable beyond the next 10 years without transformation and reinvention. Yet, 61% of employees report they aren’t thriving. But what about you and your leadership team, are they thriving? When you need a step change, or are considering hiring a critical strategic hire to ensure your business is not only future fit but can deliver and sustain long term innovations and transformation are you attracting the top performing talent, or like many are you inadvertently chasing them away? Read on in The Best and The Brightest, also there is a special gift inside just for you.

I was delighted to be invited to speak by Utility Warehouse as part of their internal Women's network IWD event last week; talking about the need to accelerate action, particularly when it comes to gender parity. My aim, to empower those individuals in that room (and those that joined us online) to take control of their destiny when it came to their careers. I speak to a range of individuals at all levels of seniority across the Utilities industry about their ambitions and aspirations, not everyone's success is measured in the same way - and that's okay. Those that inspire me the most are the ones who have taken control of their own destiny. The individuals that despite all odds have spotted an opportunity to advance themselves, have seen the identified how it can contribute to their long-term goals and have gone after it wholeheartedly. There's only one person that gets in the way of your career prospects and that's you! ? Be intentional and invest in your own personal development. ? Ask for feedback from peers, those you manage and from those you report in to - feedback is a vital part of your progress. ? Understand the skills or experiences that you're lacking to make that next step and go after experiencing them! ? If you're achieving amazing things, make sure it's being recognised, appreciated and rewarded. ? You don't get anywhere staying in your comfort zone! ? #utilities #careerdevelopment #genderparity #utilitiesleadership

We talk a lot about hiring the right leader, but what about keeping the wrong one? I was speaking with a CEO recently who told me they had a senior leader in place who just wasn’t delivering. But instead of making a change, they hesitated. Six months later? The business had lost key talent, projects had stalled, and damage was done. Underperformance at the top doesn’t just slow things down, it drags everything down. Teams lose motivation when the leadership doesn’t inspire, causing mass low morale. It leads to bottlenecks, missed opportunities, and costly decisions that hold the business back from success. And when the top performers don’t see strong direction, strategy or growth, they won’t stick around, they’ll take their talent elsewhere. The best businesses don’t just focus on hiring right, they’re brave enough to fix leadership when it’s not working. So, here’s the question, what’s the true cost of keeping an underperforming leader in place for too long?

What no selife! London Inbound... ?? This year, the team and I have been spending much more time in meetings, both virtual and, crucially, face-to-face. It’s a sign of positive momentum, but more importantly, a reminder of what truly matters in executive search: people. In a world of automation, AI and technological advancements, nothing replaces real conversations, deep relationships, and understanding the nuances of leadership. The human element is what really matters. The best hires aren’t just about skills on paper, or their last employer; they’re about culture, values, and impact. And that’s why showing up, listening, and engaging in person is more important than ever. People-first recruitment isn’t just a strategy, it’s what makes all the difference. If you are considering a critical key strategic appointment, subject matter expert, or confidential hire, and hiring the right individual for the longer term is important to you, drop me a note, I would love to learn more. #ExecutiveSearch #Leadership #PeopleFirst #HumanElement

Very excited to be joining the Women in Cadent IWD celebrations today at Ansty in Coventry! I’ll be speaking later on a panel representing WUN - Womens Utilities Network and bringing my thoughts with this incredible internal women’s network. ? Cadent Gas Limited #womenincadent #cadent #womensnetwork #accellerateaction #iwd2025 #wun #womeningas

Very excited to be joining the Women in Cadent IWD celebrations today at Ansty in Coventry! I’ll be speaking later on a panel representing WUN - Womens Utilities Network and bringing my thoughts with this incredible internal women’s network. ? Cadent Gas Limited #womenincadent #cadent #womensnetwork #accellerateaction #iwd2025 #wun #womeningas

I received this lovely feedback this week, thank you so much Martin, it means an awful lot. I have had the pleasure of working with Michelle over the last few years and I cannot recommend her highly enough. From my past experiences, Michelle has always demonstrated exceptional professionalism, insight, and commitment to helping with searches. What truly sets Michelle apart is her deep understanding of both the industry and the specific roles she recruits for. For both searches I was working on and for my own career opportunities, she took the time to get to fully understand my or the company requirements to ensure she could assist in the best possible way. Michelle is always responsive, supportive, and transparent. She provides valuable guidance during interviews and helps everyone in the process ensure they get the best possible service. If you're looking for a Headhunter who is knowledgeable, thorough, and genuinely invested in helping you succeed, I highly recommend Michelle!

I’ve never felt held back in my own career. But that doesn’t mean I didn’t need a helping hand, or many, good or bad, along the way. Despite leaving school at 16 without a degree, getting my first job was a struggle. But I was lucky, someone gave me a chance. That someone was Gordon Cashin of Norton Insurance Brokers. He mentored and coached me, helping me build confidence as an awkward teenage goth (and encouraged me to wear colours other than black!). Under his guidance, I passed my CII exams, worked on the counter, managed bookkeeping, and cashed up each day. From there, I joined AA Insurance Services initially in a telesales role, where I received brilliant formal training. I was usually ranked in the Top 10% of performers and was eventually given the opportunity to step into management and run my own shop. I had some female leaders early on, but at Area and Regional Manager level, it was mainly men. Keith Stagg was the one who took a chance on me, giving me my first Branch Manager appointment, I was one of the youngest in the country. Then came recruitment. I started at the bottom again, working under an aggressive, overbearing male leader who, strangely enough was followed by a similar overbearing female leader, neither who I respected but while tough, taught me a lot. Later, when I joined Reed, I found myself in a more collaborative, less combative environment. It was there that I was able to apply the leadership and sales skills I’d learned, both the good and the bad, to build award-winning teams. A few roles later and eventually, I founded Douglas Jackson. Almost 18 years on, despite never aspiring to be a business owner. I still do the job of a recruiter and executive search consultant everyday. I’ve had the privilege of working with and placing hundreds, if not thousands, of leaders, many of them award winners, high performers, and rising stars and I continue to learn so much from so many, including of course some incredible colleagues. Throughout my career I have always looked at the person first, the skills and experience second. I think it is one of the reasons for our successful placements. As I celebrate International Women’s Day, I reflect on how many people, both men and women, have helped me along the way. Some knowingly, others without even realising it. Those that gave me a chance, despite not always having the experience. That’s why I do my best to pay it forward. To ‘accelerate action’, this year’s IWD theme, isn’t about giving someone something they don’t deserve. It’s about giving them a chance to become the person they can be, and if you receive any help or advice yourself, don’t hold yourself back, step forward with both feet, you never know where you might end up. So if you can help, mentor, advise, or simply give someone an opportunity or a moment to shine, please do. You never know the impact you might have. #IWD #AccelerateAction #Mentorship #Leadership #PayItForward #womeninleadership

Sometimes all you need is a change in perspective and to understand what it is that truly fills up your cup. As a working mum, it’s easy to get carried away with my weekly routine and forget to invest time into myself. The change of pace was an opportunity to breathe, reflect and take stock. I tend to have some of my biggest ideas and breakthroughs when out in nature. ?? A 3am alarm on Sunday morning armed with some excellent company, got us to the highest point of elevation on a 7 mile route, just in time for the 6:30am sunrise. The early start was so worthwhile! I think the smile says it all really…I feel motivated and ready for another exciting week ahead! What do you do to invest in yourself and to ensure that you’re showing up in the best possible way? #workingmum #recharging #recognisetheneedtotakeabreak #utilities #leadership

I didn’t find recruitment, recruitment found me - thankfully. I was lucky enough to be offered an opportunity when I was 16 to join a financial services business in their internal recruitment department.?The rest is history I was hooked. Working in recruitment is the most rewarding role.?Changing lives, changing businesses. Don’t get me wrong it comes with its challenges but would never change what I do. Whether I am supporting with a CV and job search for a Leader looking for their next opportunity, supporting a CEO with transformation projects key to their business forward approach or working along a massively talented team (my team who I get to work with daily who are specialists in what they do), or arranging a meeting that leads to a key hire in a team – I am invested all the way. I think sometimes we need to remember what drives us.?Always love a trampoline Monday ?? If you are looking to discuss where you are at currently whether that be from hiring for your Leadership Team or for your next move please get in touch and let’s see if we can "bounce" some ideas :-). #Team #MondayMotivation #DouglasJackson #Recruitment #PersonalInvestment #Belief #TrampolineMonday