Andy Simpson is joined by Bradley Lewington, CEO and founder of Generative and former CEO of Spencer Ogden, the energy and infrastructure recruiter he scaled to over 500 people before a private equity backed MBO closed on 20 February 2020, three weeks before COVID hit. Brad explains why the business had to become one a private equity firm actually wanted to buy, what it was like to sign the deal and watch the plan disappear within four weeks, and why he chose to build an AI focused staffing business rather than return to energy. The conversation also covers why recruiters who assume AI platforms cannot do the human bit are in for a surprise, and where the trust element still gives them the edge.

FIVE KEY MOMENTS

0:00 Cold open: growing Spencer Ogden from zero to £28M in fees in six years, "no more jam tomorrow."

38:30 Discussion of exit strategy: was it always destined to be a private equity deal, trade sale, or MBO?

41:06 The core insight on what drives sales and motivates people in recruitment businesses.

55:03 The deal closed Feb 20, 2020, then COVID hit weeks later.

01:11:28  On AI in recruitment: "they are way better than you think."

GUEST
Bradley Lewington, CEO and Founder
linkedin.com/in/bradlewington

GUEST COMPANY
Generative
linkedin.com/company/generativegroups

HOST
Andy Simpson
linkedin.com/in/andyhsimpson

HOST COMPANY
ryvr.ai
https://ryvr.ai/

SPONSOR
Recruiting Alchemy is sponsored by ryvr.ai.
https://ryvr.ai/

PRODUCTION CREDIT
Produced by Vertical Drop.
https://www.vertical-drop.com/

Recruiting Alchemy is sponsored by ryvr.ai: https://ryvr.ai/

Hosted by Andy Simpson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyhsimpson/

Produced by Vertical Drop: https://www.vertical-drop.com/

All episodes: https://www.recruitingalchemy.com/

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/recruiting-alchemy-podcast/