Yellow Bricks Story: Inspiring the Talent of the Future
Career

Yellow Bricks Story: Inspiring the Talent of the Future

It is National Careers Week, often only celebrated within education establishments. What if we all did something amazing for the young people? What if we helped just one person each? Could a change happen?   It is hard to think about helping young people who are not your own. To justify doing something else with […]

March 7th, 2023
*

Abby.

Founder

A search expert making key hires for over twenty years.

It is National Careers Week, often only celebrated within education establishments.

What if we all did something amazing for the young people? What if we helped just one person each?

Could a change happen?

 

It is hard to think about helping young people who are not your own. To justify doing something else with all the things building up on your to-do list; we’re the busiest we have ever been and against the wall with all sorts of topics out of our control. The thing is, we can’t always leave it to someone else; big or small, we can all make a difference. Imagine being thrust out of education today, starting out your career now. Would you get to where you are now? It’s a serious topic.

 

We thought hard about what we could do –

Here is our story on inspiring the future of talent:

 

We are a women-owned executive search firm. Here at Yellow Bricks, we hire incredible people for incredible companies as recruiters, search specialists, and head hunters.

With a 20-year search of experience, we have hired all sorts of wonderful people. From those on their way up, to the most senior level at companies all over the world. As a trusted advisor to so many leaders, my network is vast.

We discuss succession planning regularly, and how the talent pool is running empty in parts. It’s a topic that is spoken about a lot but with very little remedy offered. In our job, we are trying to get beneath the surface; we will only glance at a CV; we spend most of our time learning a person’s career story, how they live their lives, aspirations, and motivations.

It is in those conversations that the magic is revealed. This allows us to make the most exceptional matches. For me, talking and hearing and making eye contact is where you get the measure of a person.

We do the job this way because we want to find people that haven’t realised their own potential yet. As well as people who know what they want; we love having an impact on improving a person’s career and earning potential.

 

We are passionate about inspiring the next generation of talent

If you know me, you know I am passionate about preparing and inspiring the next generation who are about to enter the career world. Firstly, I went to visit a local secondary school which was struggling. I spoke to the teachers and staff about work experience and career advice; although the staff were doing their best, it was so limited because the budget was extremely tight. Aside from some parents intervening and helping their own kids along, the only companies willing to take the rest at the time were retailers who needed help in the stock room or childcare nurseries; those who didn’t get a place stayed home feeling let down and disengaged.

 

Our pledge

That year as a team, we pledged to source a work experience place for year ten students who could not source their own. There were 148 15-year-olds, and it was just me on the project. I spoke at the assembly and asked the youngsters to complete my questionnaire telling me about them. What they thought they were good at, what they enjoyed and wanted to try as a career. They all took part, there was excitement, we talked openly about career options that they previously had never heard of, they listened intently, and we chatted about the possibilities.

 

After that, we went away and called in favours with every client we had ever worked with. During this time, we also asked friends to help and offer work experience at their companies. We contacted companies that didn’t know us and explained how important it was to help these young people see that their future was limitless. It was hard work at times, and we definitely felt like giving up at points. We couldn’t believe the resistance from so many organisations.

 

Placements were made in a variety of industries

We continued our pledge and sourced 1-2 weeks of work experience for every single teenager. Altogether, placements were made in fields of Technology, Pharmaceuticals, FMCG, Financial Services, Entertainment, Government, Law, Supply Chain & Logistics and much more.

 

During the project, we lost two young girls just before work experience started after their families sent them abroad against their will into arranged marriages. Never to be heard from again; the school was heartbroken but powerless. It was a sobering moment, and we always think of those girls with heavy hearts and wonder what they are doing now instead of what they planned for themselves.

 

Despite the whole thing being an adventure and hard to juggle alongside our day job, we really felt we achieved something positive and confirmed my belief that experience is key for a young person. Because, being able to visualise your future and experience what hard work and determination get you, is a gift best felt early.

 

The hard work paid off

The results were staggering; many children were offered part-time jobs or future apprenticeships from the work experience they completed. Teachers said they couldn’t believe the positive change in the students as a result. Teens discovered more possibilities than expected, realizing their aspirations could be grander and more rewarding than imagined. They felt more equipped for the future and in control of their path. Was it worth it? Absolutely.

 

What can you do to inspire the next generation and help young people to reach their potential?

 


 

To find out more about how to focus on your brand, get in touch today.
Want to hear about our other articles?
Looking to hire your next superstar?
Keen to explore our latest vacancies?
Yellow Bricks is a female-owned and led executive search firm hiring predominately for software companies with diversity and inclusion at the heart of our offering. To learn more, click here.
Related posts
Is this the real reason your people are leaving?

Is this the real reason your people are leaving?

We know that replacing key talent is a lot of work; when done badly, it can cost a lot of time and money.   Plus, the initial time, energy, and investment spent on hiring talent means it’s important to have effective retention strategies in place.   We polled 500 HR and people leaders, and 72% […]
Managing the School Holidays as a Working Parent

Managing the School Holidays as a Working Parent

When it comes to planning for school holidays, working parents and guardians face the huge task of making arrangements for their little people and deciding how they will go about managing the school holidays. This can be quite a stressful time, causing families to feel often guilty about not being around all of the time. […]
Work is changing. Don’t get left behind.

Work is changing. Don’t get left behind.

The world is changing, and so is the workplace 🌍 👔  From witnessing The Great Resignation, it is clear that now, more than ever, employees are seeking more from their jobs and the world of work is changing. Employers may be quick to assume a pay rise is the antidote.  However, in 2022, money is […]
9 Tips to Crafting a Magnetic CV in 2024

9 Tips to Crafting a Magnetic CV in 2024

Are you tirelessly sending out CVs, only to hear silence in return?   Cracking the CV code is getting harder!   What should a CV look like in 2024?   With the barrier to entry ever widening through complicated platforms, AI, and a lack of human interaction, it has become frustrating and confidence-wrecking to attempt […]
Predictions for Hiring and the Workplace in 2022

Predictions for Hiring and the Workplace in 2022

With 2022 fast approaching, we anticipate how hiring and the workplace will continue to evolve following the effects of a global pandemic and a shift in the way we work 💻   Here are some of our workplace predictions for 2022:   📈 Strategy will be high on the agenda. With the way in which […]
The secret to leadership in 2024? The coach

The secret to leadership in 2024? The coach

The world of leadership is changing fast, and 2024 looks like it’s not going to stop. It’s seemingly not enough for leaders to rely solely on traditional management and leadership skills in a multigenerational, distributed, and increasingly complex workspace. Leaders must adapt, be creative, and show empathy in a world of constant change.   But […]
C-Suite positions are rarely advertised. Here’s why and how you can win them.

C-Suite positions are rarely advertised. Here’s why and how you can win them.

Have you ever wondered why you hardly see job adverts for top-level executive positions?   It’s not just because these roles require a very specific set of skills and experience; there are several pretty good reasons behind it.   Let’s discuss and uncover how you can get onto the path to the C-Suite.   Why […]
Is recruitment automation alienating top talent from you?

Is recruitment automation alienating top talent from you?

The rise of recruitment automation has undeniably streamlined many aspects of the hiring process. However, as technology continues to advance, a growing concern is emerging: the potential loss of human connection. Today’s top talent is increasingly feeling disconnected and undervalued as they navigate an increasingly automated job search. This disconnect is a significant risk to […]
Imposter Syndrome: Signs to Look Out For and 5 Ways to Overcome It

Imposter Syndrome: Signs to Look Out For and 5 Ways to Overcome It

Feeling unsure of yourself in your career? You’re not alone. Many high-achieving professionals grapple with imposter syndrome – the persistent belief that you’re not as competent as others perceive you to be. It’s a sneaky little doubt that can creep in, making you question your abilities and worth. But you can work towards banishing those […]
Women in Leadership – Heavy is the crown

Women in Leadership – Heavy is the crown

Should we expect women in leadership roles to accept that they must represent the business and beyond at diversity and inclusion events as well as fit in their day job and personal life?   I spoke with a female board-level director about a career opportunity recently, she talked me through her incredible story, I was […]

Join 2,500+ forward-thinking leaders.

People. Culture. Growth.
Unlock your leadership potential with our biweekly newsletter. No spam, only gold.