#88 Building an ethical executive search company, Simon Lucas founder & CEO of Society

Simon Lucas joins Purposely to share his founder story starting executive search firm Society. We hear how Simon stumbled into a career in recruitment, surprised that it was something people needed. This has not stopped him taking a leadership role in the industry. Innovating when he went out on his own with a distinctly responsible, ethical and sustainable approach to executive search. Simon explains his thinking and how the power of meeting people’s needs rather than just ‘sales’ at all costs can lead you to commercial success. We also discover how his team thrived despite the challenges presented by the pandemic and the long lock down. Simon lays bare his leadership style including his faults. Simon’s authentic and warm leadership style should not mask his drive and desire to win and be the best he can be in his sector. Founded by Simon in 2005 Society is a B Corp Certified executive search firm that has a dual focus of both purpose and profit. Now a global company It was set up to add value to society and make a positive difference to people’s lives. Prior to that he was an employee of executive search firm Perrett Laver. He worked there for several years before setting up Society. Society’s headquarters are in London and offices in the United States and New Zealand. Each year they donate 10% of their profits to good causes through their own Foundation. The foundation is an independent charity dedicated to tackling issues of workforce inclusion.  Simon grew up in South Wales, and read Philosophy and Politics at the University of Warwick. Along the way, he was Head Boy of Olchfa Comprehensive School in Swansea, and President of the Students’ Union at Warwick. Simon was a founding Trustee of The Society Foundation and is currently a Trustee of Hitchin Girls' School in Hertfordshire. Simon lives in North Hertfordshire with his wife, his two children. On the Society website he is described as having, ‘a ridiculously large collection of DVDs. He is a bit of a history and politics buff, with a soft s