560. Russell S. Reynolds, Jr. Building a World-class Professional Services Firm

Show Notes:

Russell Reynolds, founder of Russell Reynolds Associates and RSR Partners, shares his story of starting his own executive search firm in the 1960s. He served in the Air Force and later joined JP Morgan. After working there for six or seven years, he joined William Clark Associates. However, shortly after, he decided to start his own firm with his friend OB Clifford and a few other friends. They collected $50,000 and started Russell Reynolds Associates. He also decided to invite his friend Lee to join the firm as partner. The firm was established in 1969, and the partnership worked well. Today, Russell Reynolds Associates is one of the largest search firms in the world. As a big producer, Russell believes that success in a service business is about doing a good job and connecting with clients. He was introduced to the senior partner of Oppenheimer and company; they became great friends which eventually led to many more clients.

Key Factors in Hiring Talent 

Russell states that it is important to look for people who are well adjusted, positive, and excited about the future. He believes that integrity is the single most important ingredient for success, and if people are honest and try to do the best they can, they will prevail. He shares the key points he looks for in people, including whether they are givers or takers and the questions he asks candidates.

When hiring for Russell Reynolds Associates, one of the key questions is whether the person has integrity or adapts to their style of client service. Russell asks for samples of their writing, because communication skills are so important, and he also asks about family relationships and what they do on weekends. He also emphasizes the importance of taking them off base to see how they really behave, and  allows him to see how well they are prepared and how they can be receptive to new ideas. Russell believes that bright young people are the key to success in a business because they are motivated, hungry, and want to please you. 

Building the Board and Expanding the Firm

Russell discusses the role of an external board of advisors, which included prominent business leaders from JP Morgan and Shell. He shares the firm's approach to governance, and how it  was run like a public corporation. He also discusses the institutions and practices set up to develop people. The firm grew through branch offices, and rules established by each branch, but there were certain rules that were set up across all branches, and he explains what they were and certain aspects which were encouraged such as involvement in charitable and political activities. Russell shares stories of when he was involved in fundraising for both charitable and political campaigns, including meeting then Prince Charles, and time spent raising funds for George H.W. Bush and Ronald Reagan.

Success Factors of the Firm

He talks about maintaining and building relationships and shares a few tips on maintaining positive client relationships and how his firm offered new ways of providing value to clients. The firm's search businesses are broken down into practice areas such as healthcare, financial services, wealth management, consumer, industry, board, and recruiting. He also talks about building a service firm and practice management. 

In 1993, Russell sold his shares in RSR Associates and decided to start RSI Partners. The firm expanded into executive search, which is still going well today. He explains why he made this decision. He is now chairman emeritus, and although he is not directly involved, he is on the board. He shares why he sold RSR Associates and why he decided to come out of retirement to start a new company. The conversation turns to career mistakes and Russell recounts a story of being charmed and betrayed, why he believes physical fitness is important in the assessment of a candidate, why he’s leary of academic achievers, and what he considers valuable assets. 

Professional Career Advice

Russell advises young college graduates to focus on developing their skills and investing in them. He suggests attending seminars, conferences, and listening to podcasts to learn new skills. He emphasizes the importance of having a balanced life, including vacations, family, and relationships. He also suggests being on outside boards, both charitable and for profit, for educational and helpful experiences. For those building a professional services firm, Russell suggests not taking no for an answer, not to be limited by one's imagination, and the importance of being grateful, humble, respectful, and recognizing that they are not the most important person in the world. He emphasizes staying in good health physically and mentally. However, he also recognizes that the advice depends on the individual's interests and goals.

Timestamps:

05:37 Leadership, client service, and hiring practices in professional services

16:01 Leadership, governance, and talent development in a consulting firm

24:42 Political connections and relationship-building in the recruitment industry

31:43 Career development, business growth, and leadership lessons

40:46 Career development, leadership, and success

 

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