With experience in both the UK and US markets, million-dollar biller Stuart Mitchell formed Hampton North to tackle the biggest problem in cyber security; the talent shortage. Moreover, Stuart felt like he had run out of growth. He wanted to do things his way and put his name on something, and become an owner.
MAIN DRIVERS:
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Having control over the direction my career is heading
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Being able to build a business in my vision
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I want to have fun – love to be able to control my own destiny
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Thrive on challenging myself
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Creating flexibility for me and the team. I get to do bathtime with my daughter every night
WATCH THE INTERVIEW:
KEY QUESTIONS:
What excites you about building your business?
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Hiring people who are better than you. I’m really driven and excited for the cybersecurity industry to go “Wow, like Stewart is not messing around; he’s getting the best person from this company, and the best person from this company, and owning that.”
What is your aspiration for the business?
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I’m super excited to create the best cybersecurity recruiting team in the industry, and I truly believe I can do that. I want to get to five principals or above to be in the team within 12 months in the US. Want to hire great and get out of the way – let them run with it.
What eventually pushed you to take the jump?
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I’d achieved everything I possibly could (Top biller in the US, the most promoted person in Stott and May’s history, Setup their California operation, ran a seven-figure EBIT team) and ultimately wanted to do things my way. Around a year ago, I came to the realisation that to create true change and do things that I wanted to do, I would have to go out there and own it.
TOP TIPS FOR SOMEONE WHO IS PREPARING TO START UP:
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Be super-mindful of the old Japanese proverb – “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is today.” I regret not doing this sooner. It’s a fairly low-risk situation. So if you’re an exceptional recruiter, back yourself.
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The key thing to focus on to maximise early traction is to get the foundational pieces in play and then bring people together to create the vision.
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