Talent Centric
side effect of the focus on diversity has
make a fundamental difference to the
been the isolation of ordinary working-
talent coming into those organisations
“If you can get
class people, who don’t fit into defined
– where they originate from. There will
cognitive
discrimination categories.
be a true paradigm shift around diversity
diversity, that’s
“This is why I connected with
in the workforce. That’s not around
how you can
Rosaleen; she passionately believes in
personal characteristics, but the more
focusing on talent, and making sure the
important diversity of thought.”
address problems,
workplace is full of excellent individuals,”
challenges and
says Campbell. “Rosaleen didn’t go to
A lever for change
prepare
for the
university, she is focused on delivery.
Part of Campbell’s personal philosophy is
future”
That’s what we try to do here with our
that business can be a powerful, positive
citizenship agenda and also our work
catalyst for change. He is proactive in this
supporting clients around emerging
in his role as Head of Global Citizenship
talent propositions.
– in which he is the inaugural incumbent.
“Institutions are increasingly saying:
“We’ve always made sure we leave a
‘I’m not going to judge you based on your CV, but on positive contribution within the environments we work
situational tests that reflect the work you’d actually in,” he says.“With my role, there’s been a formal emphasis
be doing’. I’ve got two degrees – in psychology and HR on it, creating a clear straight-line focus between our board
management: my mum framed them, she was so happy. objectives and what we get our people to do.”
But that doesn’t mean I can do the job better than anyone
Initiatives range from recycling and low-carbon travel to
else; and most organisations will tell you that they will volunteering within charitable organisations.
train for talent.”
“For example, in April, I took a delegation of our team
He admits, however, that ‘talking the talk’ is one thing, that works on one of our big professional services clients to
‘walking the walk’ another. “Lots of companies say ‘bring the Stoll foundation in Chelsea,” says Campbell. “They work
me the right person with the right attitude’, but you look at with our charitable partner, Walking With The Wounded.
their assessment process and it says they have to have a 2:1 We did a CV and interviews workshop with veterans to give
from a Russell Group institution or they can’t get in the door. them skills they needed to get back into work.” (See page 38
“I’m fortunate that lots of our clients have taken our for more about workforce inclusion.)
advice and are recruiting based on talent. That’s going to
Alexander Mann Solutions’ citizenship agenda has a
tangible impact on corporate engagement, he confirms:
“Lots of our employees are passionate about things that
don’t involve working with our clients. That’s OK, we
celebrate our people being well-rounded individuals.”
TIM CAMPBELL ON WORKING
Allowing people to ‘bring their whole selves to work’
promotes engagement, so “as well as helping communities,
FOR LORD SUGAR
it has an underpinning business element,” explains
Campbell, who believes that accommodating the human
“Lord Sugar is similar to our CEO, Rosaleen – with a
desire to do work with meaning is integral to productivity.
very different style, obviously. He is fundamentally about
“It’s topical to talk about millennials, and purpose being
being true to your word and delivering on your promises.
His belligerent style is off-putting to some, because they
their driving force, but this isn’t a new thing. I know I come
believe it is archaic. But having worked for him, he’s one of
to work every day to make a difference, not just for the salary
the most generous, intelligent and empowering individuals
or bonuses or recognition that comes with a title. We’re not
I’ve had the privilege of working with.
jumping on a bandwagon, we’ve always had a clear purpose,
He could easily have put me in a broom cupboard, paid
a barometer around success, and that has been coupled with
me a salary and made me disappear after 12 months, but
a desire to be the best in our industry.”
he supported my development for two years after I left the
In recognition of his legacy to date, Campbell was
business, in terms of contacts, advice and guidance. I’ll
awarded an MBE for Enterprise Culture in 2012. This
always be indebted to him for that.
celebrated his work with the Bright Ideas Trust, a former
But I’m alpha male like he is and I wanted to make my
role as the government ambassador for social enterprise,
way in the world. I’m not comparing my success to Lord
and related committee work around workforce diversity,
Sugar’s because he’s one of Britain’s most successful
“Thankfully, I am able to do work I enjoy and is making a
entrepreneurs, but I know the things I’ve done have made
difference,” he says. He urges businesses, with their broader
a fundamental difference to the way young people are
influence, to focus on creating their own legacy.
perceived and supported in business. I’ve also been able to
“Corporations are the major influencers of everything in
raise the profile of individuals who’ve come from inner city
the
world,” he declares. “Good businesses have the ability to
environments, their applicability to the work environment
make a fundamental difference to people’s lives.”
and the option to be successful. I’m really proud of that.”
Issue 1 - 2017
35