Richard Colgan, founder & managing partner, Oakleaf Partnership Limited 15/08/2012

Q. When you were a kid, what was your career dream?

A. To join the Army.

Q. How did you get to where you are now?

A. My mother’s work ethic – you get nothing in life without hard work.

Q. Who inspired you along your career journey, and why?

A. My first boss in the Army – General Sir John McColl KCB, CBE, DSO – a great bloke and  truly inspirational leader. He retired this year as the Deputy Supreme Allied Commander, Europe and is now Governor of Jersey. He taught me how to inspire people through leading by example. He is also my son’s Godfather!

Q. Why did you join your current organisation?

A. I founded Oakleaf for a number of reasons: I am a risk taker and had always wanted to run my own business (I’m not sure how good a 'corporate player' I am – not really my thing). I also thought I could do it better than my previous boss!

Q. Describe your typical day.

A. I get the 6.57 from Godalming to Waterloo and then the “Drain” to Bank and walk to the office just off Bishopsgate. Breakfast is at the desk whilst clearing down and answering emails. My days are then a blend of internal meetings, external client meetings and probably two or three lunches a week. I will probably leave the office after 6 and a couple of nights a week I will meet customers for a beer or a bite to eat. I’m never often home before 9 but I am trying to get better at that!

Q. What’s your greatest achievement?

A. I’ve got two wonderful, bright and sporty sons (18 and 20). Founding Oakleaf is a close second!

Q. What are your biggest challenges?

A. Running a recruitment business in a recession is a constant challenge – you have to agile, make tough decisions and develop excellent customer relationships to provide you with a route to market. You can never afford to be complacent! Hiring great consultants is a constant challenge, regardless of the economy.

Q. What career advice would you give someone aspiring to your role?

A. Work hard, always be true to yourself about what you can and can’t do (you can’t do it all on your own), treat people as you’d wish to be treated yourself and always have a dream.