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October 3 2024

What Makes Our CEO Tick: An Insightful Interview with Our CEO

Recently, I had the privilege of sitting down with our CEO to delve into the core of what drives him and the values that have steered McGinley Support Services to success. The conversation was enlightening and offered a unique glimpse into the mind of our leader.

Q: What inspired you to enter the recruitment industry, and how did McGinley Support Services come to be?

He smiled, reflecting on his roots. “My father migrated from Ireland to England and was a carpenter by trade. Much of his intricate detailed work can still be seen in many well-known buildings in London today. His dedication to his craft and the pride he took in his work were inspiring. The idea of connecting skilled professionals with essential projects was compelling. McGinley Support Services started as a small venture with a vision to provide top-notch talent to the industry. We focused on building strong relationships with clients and understanding their specific needs, which set the foundation for our growth.”

Q: Can you share a defining moment in the company's history that significantly impacted its direction?

“There was a period during the early 2000s when the industry faced significant challenges,” he recalled. “We had to adapt quickly and innovate to stay ahead. That’s when we decided to invest heavily in training and development for our workforce. This move not only improved the quality of our service but also reinforced our commitment to safety and excellence. It was a turning point that solidified our reputation in the industry.”

Q: If you had to start from square one in business, what would you do differently?

“I’d ensure I had a greater grasp and understanding of finance processes in my early years,” he began, candidly admitting a crucial lesson learned. He also emphasized the importance of delegation. “I would delegate more to free up time for thinking and planning,” he added, underscoring a strategy that many leaders overlook in their formative years.

Q: What have your biggest learnings been as an employer since you began in business?

“It’s vitally important to communicate to your staff the values that drive you personally and those that have made your business successful,” he said. He went on to list the values integral to his leadership and the company’s ethos: Integrity, Respect, Safety, Inclusion, Endeavour, and Improvement. “Employees connect to those who offer guidance, leadership, support, and mutual respect,” he explained, highlighting the importance of treating everyone as equals, regardless of their role.

Q: What are some common misconceptions about running a business, and how do you address them?

“Success in business and life does not always run congruently,” he began, dispelling a common myth. He pointed out the flawed belief that aiming to make a lot of money equates to success. “The truth is, if you aim to run a successful business, you may well reap the financial rewards,” he clarified. His focus has always been on delivering uncompromised service, which has paid off in client retention, business resilience, and financial returns.

Q: What do you attribute your growth to?

“Business integrity, reliability, and endeavour,” he stated firmly. He believes in fixing problems and never walking away, which builds a reputation as a solution-driven business. “If your clients bring you their problems first, you know they trust you and will stand by you,” he added, illustrating the trust and loyalty that underpin long-term success.

Q: How do you balance your personal life with the demands of running a business?

“In my early business years, from 21 years old, I spent my entire life focused on business,” he admitted. The early years were a blur of long hours, with little time for family. However, he credits the unwavering support of his wife, June, for helping him maintain balance. “June has always ensured my feet remain firmly on the ground,” he said with a smile. Despite the long hours, they always found time for family, taking trips together multiple times a year. Today, with a strong support structure in place, he can step back from daily operations and focus on strategic roles while spending more time with his family, whether in Hertfordshire, Dorset, or Mallorca.

Q: What qualities do you look for in employees, and how do you foster a positive and productive work environment?

He listed qualities that mirror the company’s core values: integrity, respect, safety, inclusion, and a drive for success. “I look for staff who are never willing to settle for the status quo but aim to improve what they do,” he explained. By being transparent, leading by example, and maintaining open communication, he creates an environment where employees feel valued and motivated.

Conclusion

Our conversation revealed the depth of his commitment to the principles that have guided McGinley Support Services through various challenges and successes. Even after 45 years in business, his passion remains undiminished, driven by the values of integrity and personal commitment. This interview offered a profound understanding of what makes our CEO tick and the enduring principles that shape our company’s future.

 

By Chris Young

Digital Communications & Recruitment Director

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