Celebrating John Byrne's 10-Year Work Anniversary: A Decade in Swiss Recruitment
John Byrne joined EMEA Recruitment in 2015 to build our Procurement & Supply Chain and Operations specialisms within our Swiss recruitment team.
Ten years later, John is now the Country Director for Switzerland. He shares his insights on the evolution of the Swiss market and his career journey.
How has the Swiss market changed in ten years?
Over the last decade, the Swiss market has undergone a significant transformation. More than ten years ago, our target client was predominantly large multi-national corporations with much larger offices, whose recruitment needs covered a greater diversity of seniority levels.
However, as businesses evolved, so too did the demand for more tailored hiring solutions, allowing us to add real value for both clients and candidates with niche needs.
Between 2016 and 2020, Brexit and continued globalization created uncertainty across European markets, prompting companies to rethink their structures and operational strategies.
Then came the COVID-19 pandemic, which created a continued crisis management approach for most businesses, which in turn accelerated those changes dramatically. At the same time, the rise of technology and remote work began reshaping how businesses functioned, paving the way for a more flexible and digital approach.
Between 2020 and 2023, Switzerland experienced a particularly strong and buoyant job market, as both existing companies and new entrants sought to establish themselves.
During the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, we saw a stronger reinforcement of the importance of trusted business relationships, as a contactless work environment placed greater emphasis on agility and a people-first approach. Our longevity in the market definitely paid off and allowed us to maintain high service standards in unprecedented times.
More recently, new challenges have emerged. Elements such as BEPS Pillar 2 and the 15% corporate tax rate have posed difficulties, particularly for cantons with historically lower tax rates. Additionally, the UBS-Credit Suisse situation could have been a major disruption, but Switzerland’s swift response ensured stability before markets reopened.
All these hurdles continue to highlight the innovative, agile nature of the Swiss market, which makes it so enjoyable to be part of.
Where do you see the Swiss market heading in the next ten years?
I believe organizations continue to choose Switzerland to expand their regional or global footprint and strengthen operations. Switzerland offers many benefits to companies of all sizes, including political and financial stability, a multi-national talent pool/skill base, and neutrality in key strategic decision-making exercises, which maintain its leading position.
I also think Technology and Transformation will be a key investment for all Swiss organizations, as many have been relatively slow in their adoption. We have seen an uptick in demand for recruitment needs in this sector, hence our investment in this area 18 months or so ago.
What is your favourite thing about working in Switzerland?
It’s truly multi-national.
Also, the country’s efficiency - coming from the UK, I never thought having reliable trains was possible!
Having family here, too - a brother, sister-in-law, and three nephews. It’s great being able to see them and go skiing when possible.
Additionally, working in Switzerland for ten years has allowed me to build a large network with strong relationships across Finance & Accountancy, Procurement & Supply Chain, Operations, and Human Resources, that extend beyond work.
What’s your proudest achievement while working at EMEA Recruitment?
Finally getting Procurement & Supply Chain off the ground. The discipline didn’t exist at EMEA Recruitment when I joined. Getting the first hires were hard, but key. The hire of Neil Cope allowed us to build the foundation for a solid team, which has gone from strength to strength.
We now partner with CSCMP Switzerland and became an official sponsor in 2023, while we’ve supported CIPS on regular events for over nine years. They view us as a trusted partner, and we have built a really tight network of like-minded professionals.
I’m also proud of having the opportunity to progress and become Swiss Country Director in July 2022. I have always achieved the high-flyers incentives, while maintaining high service offerings and honest, consultative feedback for all.
What advice would you give to those considering a career in recruitment?
Be a good listener. Good listening skills, resilience, and hard work are the three most important success factors. Don’t give up when it gets hard.
What you need is an agile sales mindset, but not at the expense of those you work with. Treat people how you would want to be treated.
What are you most looking forward to?
Professionally, supporting our Technology & Transformation division and helping the continued growth across the whole organization.
Personally, watching my son grow and develop - and being there to help him along the way.
Richard Bailey, Managing Director of EMEA Recruitment, reflects on John’s anniversary:
“John has become a fantastic Ambassador for EMEA over the past ten years and it’s with great personal and professional pride that I’ve watched John go from strength-to-strength as the EMEA team have expanded their network across Switzerland.
“The job markets have changed, COVID changed everything, but the foundations John has helped EMEA to build has allowed our business to grow, for which we are very grateful. From Consultant, to Manager, to Director, to Country Director, to Board Member… here is to another ten years!”
You can learn more about John’s specialist experience, as well as how to get in touch with him about your own recruitment needs, through his profile: emearecruitment.com/our-team-members/john-byrne/68
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EMEA Recruitment: The Bastion of People-First Recruitment
After celebrating 15 years in professional services recruitment, we are delighted to unveil a new era of EMEA Recruitment as the bastion of people-first recruitment.
In 2022, we celebrated the 15th anniversary of EMEA Recruitment. Since we were founded by Paul and Kelly Toms in 2007, we have always focused on building strong relationships with clients and candidates across Switzerland, the Netherlands, the Nordics, and the wider EMEA region.
Having been established for 15 years, during which time we have expanded into new disciplines and markets, we felt that the time was right to re-develop our vision and values to reflect where EMEA Recruitment is now.
Our people-first approach has been fundamental in becoming a strategic partner to some of the most reputable businesses in the world and a trusted advisor to our candidates. Moving forward, Paul wanted this to be the focus of our mission – to become the bastion of people-first recruitment.
While discussing and debating our renewed vision and values, the team listened to one another, challenged each other’s ideas, and championed the collective message. This process followed the methods our Consultants use when working with candidates and clients, thus creating our three core values:
- Listen
- Challenge
- Champion
To reflect this new mission for the business, we also decided to tweak the EMEA Recruitment brand with a fresh look.
Our new logo, colour palette and website honour the brand that we have built over the last 15 years, while signalling our renewed focus on people-first recruitment.
Richard Bailey, our Managing Director, says: “I’m really excited that our new website is going live, which features our new branding and values. Over the past 15 years, we have been incredibly proud of the relationships and networks our team have generated.
“We have taken time to listen to our team, our candidates, and our clients on how we can further add more value in recruitment. Our strategy continues to provide the best recruitment experience for everyone, and we remain committed to training our team and building our network with partners, clients, and candidates.”
He adds: “Recruitment is fundamentally a brokerage of people working with people. Putting people first is essential. A person’s skills can be measurable, managed and developed, but how influential are they within their teams? Or how good a leader or team-player are they? This requires a well-trained Recruitment Consultant to understand each personality and match good people with good career opportunities.
“We are proud to have worked with some of the biggest brands globally, and have helped them develop strong and diverse teams. We look forward to the future, as we build networks to further advance our clients’ and candidates’ ambitions.”
10-Minute Interview: Running the London Marathon for Operation Smile
It’s now under a week to go until Neil Cope, Manager of our Procurement & Supply Chain recruitment division in Zug, runs the London Marathon on behalf of Operation Smile.
Neil sat down with Tamika Gayle, Marketing Executive, to discuss his training regime, what he’ll be thinking about as he runs, and whether he’d do it again.
How do you currently feel about running the London Marathon for EMEA Recruitment & Operation Smile?
I’m excited, as it’s my first marathon. I’ve been a recreational runner for a long time and have always liked it. My main aim is to just get around and finish!
How long have you been running for?
Through childhood, but more through other sports, such as football predominantly. When I was at school, I was doing cross country; for sports day, I did the 1,500m races instead of the 100m sprints.
After that, I went on to play a lot of football in my 20s, and then in my mid-20s, I started to prioritise running more.
What has been the hardest thing in preparing for the marathon?
The hardest thing has probably been injury management and the combination of adapting my training for the distance. I’ve completed three half marathons previously, but not recently.
Adjusting from a recreational 5k/10k/10-mile run is obviously a huge difference when preparing for 26 miles.
Have you always run long distance?
Yes, I have always run long distance - 5k to 10k is more middle distance, but that’s debatable. I have always liked endurance sports and long distance, whether it’s cycling or running.
Have you ever run a marathon before?
I’ve never done full marathon before, although I have done the Robin Hood half marathon twice and the Worksop half marathon twice, as well.
I completed the Worksop half marathon in October 2018/19 in one hour, 19 mins and 58 secs, which is my personal best. Unfortunately, in current conditions, I won’t be able to copy that pace, but hopefully I will be able to one day.
Has it been more of a physical or mental challenge for you so far?
It’s been more of a mental challenge - deciding what to do on the weekend, whether it is cycling or running, does take up half your day.
How many miles do you think you’ve run in preparation for this marathon?
Not enough to be honest – but there is still a bit of time. I’m averaging 20 to 30 miles a week. To manage a bit of cross training, I have been cycling on average three to five hours a week on top of that.
What completion time are you aiming for?
Three-and-a-half hours would be ideal. I would be annoyed if it took any longer from a boredom point of view. Eight minutes per mile is my aim.
What do you think about as you are running?
I’m a bit of a daydreamer. I also like changing routes, so I think about the route and the different surroundings. Sometimes, I listen to football-related podcasts, think about work and home life - that sort of thing.
What has been your main motivation for running?
I’m expecting a child later in the year, so I’m keen to finish a marathon before the baby arrives!
What will you do to celebrate after you cross the finish line?
Other than stagger towards the finishing area, I would like to go for a drink and something to eat together with my partner and my colleagues from EMEA, who will be there supporting me.
Would you be up for doing it all over again?
At this point, I would say yes – although I’d probably change that answer at the finish line! I would like to get the injury in my Achilles sorted first though.
I would also love to do a sub-three-hour marathon once in my life.
What advice would you give to aspiring marathon runners or anyone who would like to start running?
In my opinion, running is the best thing you can do for yourself as a human being and for a healthy lifestyle.
Running is simple and the easiest exercise you can do - you don’t need any assistance from a machine or a bike. It’s also anti-aging!
If you’re able to support Neil, please donate to Operation Smile: https://2023tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/neil-cope
Neil Cope to Run the London Marathon in April
On Sunday 23rd April 2023, Neil Cope, who manages our Procurement & Supply Chain recruitment division in Switzerland, is running the London Marathon to raise money for Operation Smile.
Towards the end of last year, the Operation Smile team offered us one of their charity places at the London Marathon. As EMEA Recruitment’s resident running enthusiast, Neil was top of the list for the coveted spot.
Operation Smile has been the official partner of the EMEA Recruitment podcast since 2020. During this period, we have raised almost £9,000 for the charity, which has transformed the lives of 60 children or adults with cleft lip and palate.
Through fundraising for this upcoming event, our goal is to create another 16 smiles and transform the lives of children around the world.
All at EMEA Recruitment have a special connection to Operation Smile, as our Founder, Paul Toms, was born with a cleft lip and palate himself, and has shared his personal journey with us all.
Having completed half-marathons, 5k and 10k races in the past, Neil has never faced the challenge of a full marathon. Nevertheless, his training is firmly underway, and he is supported by his colleagues who partake in EMEA’s weekly running club.
You can read more about Neil’s story, keep up to date with his training, and donate to Operation Smile on the Enthuse platform: https://2023tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/neil-cope
Paul said: “Since our partnership began a few years ago, I am humbled by the time, effort and imagination that has poured into the partnership from the team at EMEA and our network. The outcome so far of transforming the lives of 60 people born with cleft lip and palate is amazing, and we want to do more!
“We have several other events in the pipeline starting with this one, which is going to be a challenge for Neil. There’s not a huge percentage of people who run a marathon in their lives - it’s tough mentally, physically and requires a lot of training, so I am full of admiration and gratitude for what Neil is doing. I hope he can enjoy the occasion in the knowledge that every step he takes towards the finishing line will be helping Operation Smile bring smiles to 16 more children around the world.
“I know life is tough now. The cost of living is rising, and disposable income is reducing. However, what price can you put on the ability to smile? Please donate. Any amount - no matter how small - is much appreciated and makes a huge difference. Best of luck Neil, and thank you to everyone who donates to this fantastic and worthwhile cause.”
We’re sure you will all join us in wishing Neil good luck for the race in April!
The Last Thing that made you Smile | World Smile Day 2022
To celebrate World Smile Day 2022, we’re sharing the heart-warming responses to the question, “what was the last thing that made you smile?” on the EMEA Recruitment podcast.
The podcast is produced in partnership with Operation Smile, an international medical charity that provides life-changing surgery and support to children and adults with cleft lip and palate.
It’s a cause close to our Founder, Paul Toms’ heart, as he was born with a cleft lip and palate himself. When interviewing guests on the EMEA Recruitment podcast, Paul asks them to explain the last thing that made them smile.
You can listen to some of the answers from our guests below:
Thank you to Dorie Clark, Markus Graf, Francesca Gino and Marco Aspesi, for sharing such lovely stories! Be sure to check out their full episodes: https://www.emearecruitment.com/podcasts
Throughout our partnership, we’re hoping to create 100 new smiles. It costs just €180/182CHF/£150 and takes as little as 45 minutes to provide cleft surgery on an Operation Smile medical mission.
If you can donate anything to help us reach our goal, please visit: https://www.operationsmile.org.uk/donate-to-operation-smile/donate-to-operation-smile-emea-recruitment/
Recently, we also welcomed Operation Smile UK’s new Executive Director, Mairead O’Callaghan, onto the EMEA Recruitment podcast to discuss her 11 years with the charity.
She also explained the charity’s goals for the next decade, as it celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2022.
Find the episode on your podcast app or watch on YouTube below:
Paul explains his connection to Operation Smile: “I can’t compare the challenges I faced with those of the young children Operation Smile help. All I can say is that, from my experience over the years, I changed from being afraid my uniqueness would define me, to embracing the fact that it defined me.”
Operation Smile is the official partner of the EMEA Recruitment podcast. If you’d like to find out more about our partnership, visit: https://www.emearecruitment.com/operation-smile
Operation Smile United Kingdom is incorporated as a company limited by guarantee in the UK (No.04317039) and is a registered charity in England and Wales (No. 1091316).
In-House D&I Training: Equity vs. Equality
The whole team at EMEA Recruitment recently took part in Equity vs. Equality training, delivered by our Ambassador, Valentina Coco.
“At the end, the key objective is to have someone on the recruiting panel who can empathise.”
Last year, Valentina conducted two in-house D&I training sessions – one on the topic of bias, the other on how to speak to our clients about D&I.
In July, Valentina explored the issue of equity versus equality, particularly from the standpoint of ethnic diversity. Globally, we still lack diverse ethnical representation in business; just 8% of managers and 4% of CEOs in Fortune 500 companies are from minority ethnic backgrounds.
Valentina explained how the pipeline for getting to senior management positions is broken for those from minority backgrounds, due partly to highly unemployment rates and lack of access to education. Even when minority candidates are hired, they can feel that they’re alienating the majority in the workplace. This is why an equitable hiring process is essential.
We looked at the difference between nationality, ethnicity and race, as well as some common and less well-known words and phrases that we may feel uncomfortable using at times.
Exploring equity and equality in more detail, we discussed why workplace policies are bad for equity and how standardised testing in the recruitment process still discriminates against marginalised groups.
To help us understand the biggest hurdles in recruiting, Valentina presented us with four challenges: societal access, bias and tokenism, the pipeline gap, and the impact of COVID-19.
Societal access refers to the lack of opportunities that minority groups may have to education, internships, entry level jobs and promotions, due to potential financial barriers and a shortage of connections.
Bias and tokenism is the objective of hiring someone based on the diversity they can bring to the team, which can damage inclusivity and retention in the long-term.
The pipeline gap must be addressed by stakeholders who are empathetic and invest in D&I, as well as through the wider culture of the business.
Minority groups and women faced a significant impact of COVID-19, for example, with a higher care load, anti-Asian sentiment and career breaks.
We ended the session by analysing three specific case studies, as well as asking Valentina our own questions and sharing our thoughts.
As always, all ideas were shared in a safe and confidential environment.
Valentina Coco is an Ambassador of EMEA Recruitment, as well as the CEO and Founder of Coco Consulting & Coaching. She trains teams to develop an inclusive working environment.
Focusing on Wellbeing Activities during October
As the EMEA Recruitment team participated in a Miles for Smiles challenge to raise money for Operation Smile, we hosted a range of wellbeing activities to help them achieve their goal.
During October, EMEA Recruitment committed to virtually travelling 3,000km/1,900 miles to raise money for Operation Smile, the official partner of the EMEA Recruitment podcast. The route covers our key locations in the UK, Netherlands and Switzerland.
The team supported one another in hitting the group target, by organising running clubs, boxing classes and weekend walks. As everyone rallied together to log their miles, we felt it important to increase our focus on wellbeing during the challenge.
Throughout the month of October, we hosted a wide range of activities to encourage the team to prioritise their wellbeing and engage with colleagues after a difficult year.
We’re proud to boast a wealth of talent among our team – our Office Administrator, Sarah James, taught a group how to crochet, Anna Moizio, shared her native language, Italian, with us, and we showed off our culinary skills with a potluck lunch.
As well as our weekly yoga sessions, some groups visited a comedy club for an evening of laughs and we invited therapists into the office to conduct chair massages for the team.
To encourage our employees to look after themselves and their loved ones, we were joined by two fantastic charities, Oddballs and Coppafeel, to raise awareness of testicular cancer and breast cancer respectively.
We were also honoured to introduce Cornell Thomas, an international motivator who has been recommended by Tony Robbins, to the EMEA team. Cornell previously appeared on the EMEA Recruitment podcast, where he discussed overcoming fear and learning from failure.
Although October has come to an end, our focus on wellbeing will continue. We have received great feedback from our colleagues, who would like to see certain activities hosted on a regular basis.
We’re proud to provide a wide range of wellbeing activities for all EMEA Recruitment employees. You can find out more about what it’s like to work for us: https://www.emearecruitment.com/work-for-us
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