Introduction

We are pleased to welcome Tom, the newest member of the Signia team, as he assumes the role of Talent Partner. Tom’s journey is a unique tale of passion and perseverance, culminating in his arrival at this key position within Signia. In his own words, Tom shares his personal experiences, challenges, and the remarkable path that has led him here.

Tell us about yourself

I was born in the UK to an Irish mother and an English father and spent my childhood in the countryside of Norfolk. I had the privilege of experiencing rural life while also witnessing my father’s dedication to his career as a stockbroker in London, which ingrained in me the true meaning of hard work. After school in Norfolk, I moved from one coastal area to another, this time to the south coast to study at Plymouth University. I had convinced myself that Sandhurst and the military were next, but life has a funny way of changing your path. I met my future wife in the second year, and we have been inseparable ever since. She is a clinical physiotherapist specialising in trauma. We relocated from the UK to South Africa in late 2021; Southern Africa has held a special place in our hearts, so we took the leap and have never looked back.

We now live in the shadow of Table Mountain in Cape Town and spend weekends hiking, surfing, trail running, and cycling.

Challenges and Overcoming Them

I was diagnosed with dyslexia at 11, which initially felt like a significant handicap. Traditional academics were a struggle, but this challenge led me to develop essential coping mechanisms, from calligraphy classes to touch-typing, to becoming a prolific reader. Dyslexia affected my ability to write lengthy exams, a monumental task for a young student, and expressing linear arguments and thoughts in a time-pressured environment was literal hell for quite some time. However, my perspective shifted when a special needs teacher encouraged me to find new ways to reach the same goals, teaching me the value of problem-solving and adaptability at a key developmental stage in my life.

A crucial lesson learned was that I wasn’t alone. Public figures like Richard Branson openly discussed their own battles with dyslexia, and this encouraged me to view it as a unique learning tool rather than a limitation. This perspective shift was possible thanks to the presence of role models, supportive teachers, and my family.

Dyslexia moulded me more than anything into a resilient problem-solver. I think if I hadn’t embraced my condition, I would not have got very far. The sheer number of clients I have spoken to who went through their own journeys highlighted to me how little it is spoken about or hidden from others.

Starting my career in recruitment

I have been in the recruitment and executive search field for almost a decade. I’ve made hundreds of placements in various sectors, including technology, operations, banking, wealth management, and insurance. What I love most about this job is the diversity of people I interact with and the impact I can have on their careers and lives. While some might see the field as transactional, I have built lasting relationships with senior professionals over the years, helping them progress in their careers.

Notable highlights

My personal highlight has been supporting a candidate in landing two roles, including one that allowed her to provide her daughters with a private school education as well as entering onto a senior management team. Our professional relationship has grown into a genuine friendship, and you can see the impact a fulfilling career can have, even more so when you assist in attaining it.

Why I joined Signia

My journey through different recruitment firms led me to Signia. This company values client relationships and offers more than just transactional engagements. We provide additional services, consultations, and value beyond what a typical PSL agreement offers. Our depth of relationships with both clients and candidates sets us apart. Signia is committed to delivering value, not just making transactions, and this approach extends to our candidates as well. We provide extensive support, whether through podcast series, interviews with industry leaders, white papers, or our upcoming festival of people.

The future at Signia

Well, we have clear long-term goals for the business, and I’m excited to contribute my experience to match the expertise of Neil and Tom. Signia doesn’t compare itself to major industry players but focuses on delivering tailored solutions based on client needs. With the launch of our new website and the addition of senior industry figures, I really think that the business is having an impact on our field. It’s hard really to argue against that given the client feedback that we get; it is a really great journey to be a part of.