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Meet Michael Ivory - Head of Front Office Recruitment at Phoenix U.K
Adding a new perspective and background to Phoenix U.K and Ireland.
1. Tell us a bit about yourself and your career history?
I was born in Barcelona, Spain where I lived until 2011 when I moved to London. After a few gap years, I studied Classics and Archeology at Kent University, before starting my journey into the world of recruitment and Corporate Finance in 2016. Recruitment suited me fantastically, as I have always enjoyed networking with people, and the idea of helping with their career choices excited me.
2. What do you do at Phoenix?
I'm the Head of Investment Banking and Advisory Recruitment for the U.K based in London.
3. Why did you join Phoenix and what is the best part about being part of the #PhoenixFamily?
I was initially introduced to Ruth and Ed by Emir Allen who I had worked with at my previous firm. I subsequently found Phoenix to be a young, professional team that supports one another. I wanted to join an adaptable, serious company with a exceptional growth plan, and I did! It’s great being able to work with the same clients with a brand new perspective .
4. What are the most important aspects when sourcing talent? Describe your top 3 aspects.
When looking for candidates in the Front Office space, I usually find that it’s 70% personality and 30% what’s on your CV, but if I had to pick three, they would be:
Confidence - Believe in your own personality and ability and you’ll find a match
Social - The ability to hold a good conversation and take and create banter is huge, don’t hold back!
Top quality university - While not always essential, it’s a huge help
5. What are your predictions for 2021?
Definitely expecting a renewable energy boom. With the talks of diesel and petrol being gone by 2030, it seems renewable energy will be an inevitable investment not just an idea. Other than that? The interest in new software technology is blowing up so it’s likely we’ll see some new advancements in 2021. Lastly with the COVID-19 pandemic health care and pharmaceuticals are huge sectors at the moment, it will be interesting to see where this year takes them.
6. Podcast/ T.V/ Book recommendations?
A book I’d definitely recommend is ‘How to Win Friends and Influence People’ by Dale Carnegie. If you’re looking for a laugh, the podcast ‘My Dad Wrote A Porno’ is a great one to listen to. As for movies, it’s always the classics for me and if you haven’t watched the Godfather (Part 1 & 2) yet, make sure you do!