Today, Freddie Macpherson, analyst at Isomer Capital, and Linda Võeras, associate at Karma Ventures, are joined by Paul Gillespie, Managing Director at Sheffield Haworth, a global executive search firm with a specialty in deep tech. With over 20 years in the industry, he co-founded Gilmore Stevens, focusing on building executive teams for venture-backed businesses. After merging with Sheffield Haworth to expand globally, Paul now leads their deep tech practice, covering sectors from semiconductors to nuclear fusion. An electronic engineer by training, he thrives on the cutting-edge innovation in deep tech, despite the opportunity to retire. His recent projects include a significant investment deal with a French chip company, underscoring his commitment to the ever-evolving world of technology.
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Chapters:
00:00:00 - Introduction to Paul and the Importance of Talent in Venture
00:02:24 - Deep Tech and the Exciting Era of Technology
00:04:43 - Discovering Your Superpower in the Industry
00:06:54 - Finding the Right Chief Operating Officer
00:08:54 - The process of executive search
00:11:11 - Creating a Viable Target List for Candidates
00:13:28 - The Importance of Assessing Candidates Beyond Interviews
00:15:43 - Approaching the Right Search Agency
00:18:03 - The Importance of Having a Mentor and Advisor
00:20:13 - The Importance of Critical Hires
00:22:26 - Attracting Talent with the Wow Factor
00:24:30 - Key Factors for Startup Success
00:26:50 - The Power of Evangelizing and Positioning Propositions
00:28:56 - Common Mistakes in Hiring a CFO
00:31:18 - Issues with CEO Hiring
00:33:39 - The Importance of Feedback Loops and Communication
00:35:57 - The Importance of Good Hiring
00:38:09 - The Role of Investors in the Hiring Process
00:40:18 - Replacing Founder CEOs
00:42:44 - The Role of the CEO in Company Growth
00:45:05 - Skills for Success in Investment Roles
00:47:18 - Understanding the Difference Between Titles and Skills
00:49:24 - The Importance of Mentors and Retention in Hiring
00:51:40 - Reflecting on Linder's Career
From Engineering to Executive Search: Transitioning from an engineering background to founding executive search companies shows a unique path. It highlights the thrill of working in the constantly evolving field of deep tech, a sector that's more exciting and pivotal now than ever.
Global Reach is Key: Merging with a global company like Sheffield Haworth wasn’t just about expansion; it's about tapping into new sectors like technology and having a worldwide impact. This global footprint is super important, especially in the tech world.
The Drive Beyond Retirement: The choice to continue in the executive search field, despite opportunities to retire, underlines a deep passion for the potential and advancements in deep tech. It's a rapidly growing area that's integral to the tech landscape today.
Unique Skills in Recruitment: The ability to evangelize and problem-solve is crucial in recruitment. These skills help in convincing candidates about the potential of startups and finding the right fit for complex roles.
Navigating Executive Search Challenges: Understanding clients’ needs and managing expectations are big parts of the game. It's all about aligning the hiring process with the company's immediate and near-future needs, rather than shooting for the stars right away.
Tips for Startups and Investors: For startups, especially in deep tech, focusing on employee retention is as important as hiring. Having mentors or guides for CEOs and treating candidates with the same importance as investors can make a big difference. Also, don't skimp on early-stage essentials like a part-time CFO and HR director.
The Evolution of Founder CEOs: As companies grow, founder CEOs often face the challenge of adapting or shifting roles. This can be a delicate but necessary move for the company's growth and maintaining its core ethos.
NEUVC #259: Paul Gillespie, MD of the Deep Tech Practice at Sheffield Haworth on talent, mentors and hiring