Find a Director-level operator with the network, leadership experience, and drive to build the Melbourne division independently — someone who could bring structure, systems, and new clients to a market the business hadn't yet cracked.

The candidate came through a referral from within our network — someone we knew and trusted. He was active in the market, but he had four other offers on the table, all from his own connections. Most rec2recs would have sent the CV and hoped for the best. We met him in person and spent two hours understanding what he actually wanted — not just in a role, but in the next stage of his career. Having come from a global firm, he brought exposure to systems, processes, and training that most boutique agency owners simply haven't had access to. This opportunity gave him the canvas he needed. We knew before we presented him that this was the right match, which is why closing against four competing offers wasn't the battle it might have been. The search took three months. Senior leadership hires at this level take time when you're unwilling to compromise — we never pushed a candidate who wasn't right, and we never stopped looking for one who was. He has since built a networking group in Melbourne, is bringing in new clients, and is actively contributing to the systems, training, and operational capability of the wider Discovered People business.