Frequently Asked Questions
No. The reference to ‘City’ in our company name is because it is synonymous with the financial services industry in London and beyond (UK). However I have been exposed to global hiring and talent markets since 2004. Almost 50% of my clients are based outside of the UK and typically come from N.Amercia, continental Europe, Asia Pacific and the sub-continent, as well as from Turkey and Russia.
Good careers advice is transferable across roles, job functions and industries. However my niche/specialty is in financial services as this is where I have spent every minute of a 25 year career. Financial Services is a widely used term with many different definitions, but I think of it in its broadest sense i.e. not just including the key domains of banking, investment banking, insurance, asset and wealth management, alternative investments, but also including Fintech and Information services. It also inevitably cuts across the wider professional services industry that supports it such as the accountancy, legal and consulting professions (given how freely the talent crosses over between these areas).
USP 1 - I am connected to the market. I have an extensive and up to date network across key decision makers and gatekeepers in HR, executive search and recruitment agencies and a number of senior leaders across financial services. I can leverage that ‘rolodex’ to make recommendations, explore opportunities, and in some cases make introductions.
USP 2 - I am a true Sector Specialist. I have worked right across the full breadth of Financial Services and will be able to relate to what you do or want to do. I have an encyclopaedic knowledge of the competitor landscape in each sub sector, which means i can advise on the full range of roles and employers as well as career paths and the various opportunities there are for crossing sub sectors or functions.
USP 3 — I bring an inside/outside view. My experience as a Recruiter, and corporate HR Talent Leader means I have a holistic view of internal and external opportunities, career choices and paths. I also know how to navigate the corporate recruiting space, which is now responsible for at least twice as many hires as the agency/search side.
USP 4 - I am pragmatic. Whilst a lot of career coaching is purely based on theory. I have been immersed in the financial services jobs and talent market for over 20 years and can mentor my clients to apply what they have learnt to the real world.
USP 5 - What you see is what you get. I am currently the only coach in my business so if you buy into my background and ethos then I can guarantee you will work with me and only me. Whilst this is not unique amongst coaches it is quite rare amongst career coaches focused on financial/professional services.
Whilst my services are not for executives exclusively, the vast majority of my clients are at the Director, ED, MD or C-Level.
Not in the traditional more commonly known sense. My services are much more focused on career direction, planning, personal branding and job search strategy as opposed to giving advice and feedback on leadership style and derailers etc. Think of me as a hybrid between an HR/Talent exec and a headhunter rather than an occupational psychologist.
You can and you should. However, the best quality career advice should be independent and free from bias giving you access to the full range of career options as opposed to internal only or restricted to only one type of role, function or part of Financial Services.
No. Not exclusively. City Career LAB helps it’s clients to transform their careers by building impactful personal brands and helping them to explore future or alternative career paths with their current employer.
Unfortunately not. My role is to make sure you have the clarity, purpose and toolkit needed to be successful but the rest is up to you. That said nothing would make me happier and give me more satisfaction than if you were to be successful in your career moves or job search as a result of our engagement.
I operate 100% remotely using Zoom, but I occasionally meet clients face to face in London when circumstances allow, but this is generally more about building the relationship than coaching.
It would certainly be cheaper, but in our experience, it would rarely be better – especially at more senior levels of experience where nuance runs deep. Whilst Generative AI can certainly augment career coaching services, it isn’t something that should be solely relied upon to deliver the best results. Moreover, clients typically value a more human centric approach.
