40. How to find a job during the COVID-19 pandemic - with global recruitment expert Geoff Morgan AM.
Jul 27, 2020
My guest, friend, and mentor, Geoff Morgan AM, is one of the most successful HR businessmen of our generation and a great entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist. His life and career are aligned with human resources developments, recruitment, and selection globally, and his businesses have always been at the forefront of change in the sector. So, of course, I thought a chat with Geoff at this time would be invaluable for you, the podcast listeners.
Geoff fulfilled his childhood dream of living in the Australian Bush when he became a wool classer following his completion of Rural Studies. After five years of working in the country, Geoff spent several years in the shipping industry. Geoff traveled overseas on a working holiday and secured a job in the recruitment industry in London. His experience in London has been a great source of reference for the rest of his career in the recruitment industry.
Geoff's great love has always been working with and learning from people. His other great passions include Australian Indigenous Affairs, motor racing, cycling, travel, and, most importantly, his family.
Geoff was a co-founder of Morgan & Banks in 1985 and grew the company to become a dominant global recruitment force. Morgan & Banks was publicly listed in 1995, and sales grew to over $700 million before its acquisition by TMP/Monster.com in 1999. Talent2 was then established in 2003 and grew to be a global business acquired by Allegis Group – the largest private talent management firm in the world.
People are a passion for Geoff, and over 35 years, he has immersed himself in the work environment and employment industry globally and has helped many thousands of people with their careers and lives. Geoff has also been a great mentor to many people, particularly in the Indigenous Community, and more specifically around refugees and asylum seekers.
Geoff sits on several Boards, including McTavish Surf International Pty Ltd, The World Scout Foundation, and The World Scout Committee. He is the immediate past Chairman of LiveHire Ltd, an HR Tech public company.
He has co-authored four books on recruiting and interestingly authored a cookbook of family favorite recipes. In 2004 Geoff was the recipient of the Ernst & Young "Master Entrepreneur of the Year" Award for sustained business success. Geoff became a Member of the Order of Australia in the 2015 Queen's Birthday Honours in recognition of his service to the Scouting Movement and the community through executive roles in business, Indigenous education, and sporting organizations.
There have been significant changes in recruitment and selection in this time of the COVID pandemic. With extensive and significant layoffs, sectors under stress, and tectonic shifts in the job market, hearing from someone with such foresight and experience is a great opportunity. And to boot, Geoff is, as always, full of enthusiasm, positivity, and energy.
Timestamps to guide your listening:
- 06:54 - It's a family affair: How Geoff got into the recruitment business.
- 12:40 - Geoff was ahead of the game: fighting for diversity and inclusion since 1976.
- 17:54 - Geoff's take on the future of job hunting and recruitment - at least for the remaining months of 2020!
- 25:22 - How remote work and working from home arrangements will affect recruitment and selection?
- 27:48 - Geoff's a tech HR wizard, but he's not that keen on tech.
- 34:10 - Is there anyone still doing a reference check?
- 37:20 - Thoughts on the future of employment.
- 42:34 - Geoff's personal goals: what helped him succeed in business.
- 46:38 - On being a mentor.
- 54:25 - Final words of wisdom
Audio only
Remember, you can always reach out to me to start investing in your career progression. Check my website - there's a link below - and find out more about my services, as well as the free resources I have created just for you.
I hope you enjoy this chat with Geoff.
Click here to open the transcript of this episode on our new blog.
