Francis Ngannou - Potential over Credentials

What Talent Acquisition can learn from the inspirational journey of Francis Ngannou

In the world of recruitment, good recruiters should seek talented people who not only have the right skills and qualifications but also possess the intangible qualities that make them exceptional

The life story of Francis Ngannou, the Cameroonian-French mixed martial artist and former UFC Heavyweight Champion, is a source of inspiration that offers invaluable lessons for talent acquisition departments across any sector. His journey from humble beginnings working the sand mines of Cameroon to international stardom is a testament to the power of resilience, belief in potential, and the importance of diversity and inclusion.

Ngannou's early life was marked by extreme poverty and hardships in Cameroon. Yet, he demonstrated unwavering resilience, refusing to succumb to the challenges he faced.

He boarded a small boat and survived the journey to France, finding himself alone, jobless, homeless but hungry!

Francis did not boast an extensive educational background or a wealth of experience in mixed martial arts when he started his journey. However, his raw talent and unyielding determination were more significant than any formal credentials.

In pursuit of his dream of becoming a fighter, he dedicated himself to learning and mastering the skills he needed everyday and quickly caught the attention of his leaders. Their guidance and support were instrumental in shaping him into the champion he became at the UFC earning $4m across 8 years and was recently canonised to the global superstar we saw last week to kick off Riyadh Season in the Middle East earning himself $10m in one night and now one of the most recognised sports athletes of my generation.

Ngannou's story underscores the value of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. It is clear to see organisations that embrace diversity and provide opportunities to individuals from different backgrounds will invariably uncover unique talents and perspectives.

With an ever changing demographic on the horizon, recruiters not only have their commercial but also ethical responsibilities towards talent acquisition and management. They should not only assess current skills and experience but also recognise and believe in the potential of candidates. This is our true value add as recruiters today.

The people who believed in Francis betted on him to win and its our responsibility to identify talent with potential so the hiring manager can bet on them too.

My Thoughts...

Francis Ngannou's life story is a testament to the power of resilience, the value of potential, and the significance of diversity and inclusion. By incorporating these lessons into our talent acquisition practices, we can identify and nurture individuals with the potential to make a profound impact within our organisations. Just as Ngannou has become a champion in his field and life, so too can we champion the development of exceptional talent in the open market and within our organisations.

Let's embrace the spirit of Ngannou's journey and unlock the hidden potential in the candidates we recruit, ultimately driving our organisations to greater heights.