INTERNATIONAL Member: Ian Foster and People Assured, Chicago, USA.
Why are you a member of 08 businessconnect?
2008 is a fantastic opportunity for Liverpool to present itself to the world – both from a cultural and economic standpoint. I am enjoying being part of that. I’m interested in hearing about Liverpool/UK firms looking to breakthrough in America and how I may be able to help from a networking standpoint and to help them recruit the right people to lead their business internationally. Liverpool is increasingly an international city.
I think 08 businessconnect provides a great opportunity to interact with others who are promoting new and exciting ventures, while simultaneously supporting the city at an important and exciting time.
What are your plans to make the most of Capital of Culture?
My wife and I have been Ambassadors since the beginning of 2007 and actively promote Liverpool08 through the British American Business Council, where I am a member in Chicago (and previously New York).
We visit Liverpool twice a year - my mum and sister (also an Ambassador) live in Anfield. I was born in Everton. We attended the opening events on 11th and 12th January and plan to be back in June for more. Maybe the 08 businessconnect Spotlight event!
What is your business?
People Assured (www.peopleassured.com ) is a specialist human resources firm. We help companies recruit and develop their leadership team. Many of our clients are IT leaders (Chief Information Officers and IT Directors). I have over 20 years international experience working with the IT function. We provide two services: executive (retained) search and mentoring. Our mission is to help clients achieve lasting improvements in performance by attracting the right people and supporting their growth.
Why did you start it?
After 23 years of working in a variety of management and technology roles in industry and consulting, I realized I really enjoyed the people aspects of my work – finding the right talent for clients, helping people succeed in new roles, helping them to progress to the next level. I‘d enjoyed being part of a major recruitment effort to build a consulting practice in New York as well as mentoring colleagues to help them progress their careers I decided to focus on people development.
What did you do before?
Quite a mix of things – engineering, IT, business development, teaching, project management, singing/songwriting (another passion), consulting!
What makes you unique?
From day one our philosophy has been that of a helping model. We spend a lot of time getting to know our clients, their values and culture, so that we understand what type of people will be a good fit for their organization. We also conduct research (e.g. on managing employee retention, succession planning) to help clients address the HR issues and challenges they face.
We differentiate though :
· A deep knowledge of the IT function, experienced across a range of industry sectors (e.g. healthcare, manufacturing, utilities, media)
· A results-based approach: We work only on programs where we have the knowledge and experience to deliver
· Customer service: The majority of our work comes via referrals and repeat business. Client feedback http://www.peopleassured.com/ClientTestimonials.html is very important to us:
· Mutually beneficial relationships: We introduce many of our clients to industry peers for information exchange and networking
Any tips?
Firstly - have a strategy but also flexibility. You need to know where you want to go but also be able overcome obstacles and adapt to opportunities as they present themselves.
Secondly - creativity is key. Sometimes you need an alternate perspective on things.
We look forward to speaking with you. email: ianfoster@peopleassured.com Office tel: +1 312 235 3210
