Finding Meaning in the Future of Work with James Reed

Acing interviews, managing recruitment websites and creating happiness at work with James Reed, Chairman of REED – Britain’s biggest and best-known recruitment brand and the largest family-owned recruitment company in the world. He is also the author of the book “Why You?: 101 Interview Questions You’ll Never Fear Again”.

Graham and James start the podcast by giving a bit of a background on what the company, REED, is all about and what the company focus is. James then shares a brilliant strategy that he believes helped their business grow:

'Our strategy is to build it organically. So like a tree from the ground up. I say to people, the only two ways you can grow a business organically is: One - is through service, good service, so people come back. The other is through ideas, good ideas, so you can get a new service. That’s our focus.'

James then shares a great chapter in his book called "The Fateful 15".

'We call them the fateful 15. In fact, there are 15 questions. The first one is: Tell me about yourself. If you prepare those 15 in the book, you’re pretty well placed for any interview because most of the other questions are sort of variants of those 15. And I think that’s quite a helpful way of thinking about it because an interview can be a pretty daunting prospect.'

Graham then asks James to talk about failing and what that had taught him.

'I remember my father saying something to me years ago. He said, “You know, being an entrepreneur or being in business is different than going to the casino. If you put money on red on the roulette wheel and it comes up in the casino. It only comes out once. But if you have a good idea and you get it up and running, it keeps coming around.” So I hold on to that thought because it suggests that you should keep trying.'

James then shares his different work experiences and what he learned from them.

'If you’re early in your career, find a boss that you can learn from. Yeah, that’s something that is hugely valuable.'

Graham and James then talk about getting projects done and how important the people behind the project are.

'Finding the right people and then letting them get on with it is key to getting things done because you have to move on to the next thing. I mean, if you have to do it yourself, you will not get as much done as when you can find someone good to help you, or several people, and then move on to the next problem or challenge or opportunity. So it’s all about people in the end.'

Graham and James then finish by talking about unhappiness at work and the importance of having a clear purpose and objective at work.

'I think if you’re unhappy in your work, look to change because you don’t have to be unhappy at work. And, I think it’s possible for everyone to be happy in some form of work or other. I think that’s really important, and I guess often overlooked.'

Find out more about James Reed on his website or if you have any questions for him, send him an e-mail.

You can grab his book: “Why You?: 101 Interview Questions You’ll Never Fear Again” on Amazon.

Graham Allcott is the founder of time management training company Think Productive.

This podcast is produced and edited by Rizelle Paredes and is hosted on Podiant.

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