the hot seat

Richard Paisley, Managing Director, Proco Global Ltd and formerly a founder of GRS Group

The GRS Group (www.grs.com) is an international specialist search consultancy that focuses on Senior Manager and Director levels within the arenas of Risk, Legal, Tax, Capital Markets and Interim Management. Established in 2002 and with offices in London, Brighton, Munich and HK, the GRS Group has built a strong reputation within the industry for quality and professionalism, working closely in partnership with organisations across the complete business spectrum.

What was your first job?

I had my own business mowing lawns on an industrial estate when I was 12

What's the greatest challenge facing your business now?

Hiring! Hiring! Hiring!

Who do you most admire/been your greatest mentor?

I've never had a "mentor" and I think that admiration for famous individuals is always a bit flawed, we only ever see their public image and that's a rather shallow way to admire. I am however always in awe and admiration of normal people who battle against the odds with illness or some other form of disability, out of the public glare, whilst remaining optimistic and cheerful.

What is the main key performance indicator that you monitor in your business?

Billings. We are not a particularly KPI driven organisation, we try and hire the right people in who are mature, driven and want to get on with things. For us to follow them around assessing how many calls they have made/CV's sent etc makes that pointless. If we wanted to run the business that way we would significantly lower the quality of consultants we hire.

What's been your best business decision?

To diversify. Our Risk business has been phenomenal and has continued to grow but by looking at logical add ons we have been able to grow the individual areas as well as the business as a whole.

What's your greatest financial indulgence?

Snowboarding. I like to get away about 3 times a year and with a wife and 2 kids it's not cheap!

What do you drive?

A Scott Boulder Mountain Bike! I don't have a car.