Ben Bond joined BIE in 2021 as Research Director, supporting the General Management and Technology practices. We chatted to Ben to learn more about his professional style, his approach to life and work, and how simple things done well are the answer!
What’s your philosophy in life and work?
Work is one part of life; it can be fulfilling, demanding and highly additive to other parts of my life, but it shouldn’t ever to be to the detriment of family, health or one’s sanity!
What’s your greatest source of job satisfaction?
Unearthing new talent across a variety of functions and sectors, and enabling candidates to feel that certain career pathways and job markets are accessible and not the perceived closed economies.
What’s the secret of your career success?
I would describe myself as personable, pragmatic and honest, and I believe in being open about opportunities, commitments and chances when speaking to clients and candidates.
What have you learnt along the way?
Having worked both agency and in house, as well across a wide variety of sector and mandates, even in a range of countries, there have been numerous opportunities to hone, evolve and adapt my skills. The fundamental view is that I don’t know it all, I am speaking to experts in their own field and offering them a new situation, but one that has to make sense on a variety of levels. Approaching every scenario knowing that nothing is set in stone, nor a given, opens up more opportunities than taking a rigid, assumptive approach.
What are your career highlights or ‘defining moments’?
Working in front office banking as the financial crisis hit was a defining moment, watching banks/clients vanish and candidates left without employment opportunities was extremely tough. Moving into an in house role in a new industry was forced upon me, but became one of the best jobs I have held so far.
What professional achievements or successes are you most proud of?
There were several NHS NED roles which I delivered where the client’s expectations were completely surpassed. They not only hired, which seemed unlikely for a time, but also found diverse, high calibre people keen to help out the health service in its time of need. Also, it led to further work being won.
I was also awarded Researcher of the Year twice at Green Park.
What do you feel most passionately about?
Diversity and open mindedness in sourcing talent. I also believe in simple things done well.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard/been given?
Once I was told, how you do anything is how you do everything. The execution is what counts. Also, how you do things when you think no one is watching is the best indicator of character. Both these adages have stayed with me.
What top tip would you give to people looking to move up in their career?
Talk to peers, managers and those around you to open as many avenues of pursuit as possible. Build a network.
How would you sum up the BIE culture and onboarding experience?
The level of enthusiasm and collaboration have been way beyond expectations and the focus on quality has also been impressive; not just doing a job but doing it well.
My onboarding experience at BIE was easy, broad and well thought through. I got to know every practice area quickly and spent time with my peers and those around me, making it feel friendly and known.
Name one interesting fact about yourself
I was the first person (kids went first!) to complete the first ever national swimathon and received a medal from Princess Diana.
Name one thing on your bucket list
Diving in Mexico.
What fictional world or place would you like to visit and why?
Narnia…talking lions would be interesting.
Do you like pineapple on a pizza – yes or no?
Yep, with anchovies.
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