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Graham Birch
Headhunter / Executive Search
Graham Birch, with the LinkedIn username grahambirch1, was the General Manager at Birch Search from August 2021 to April 2024.1 He is currently retired as of May 2024, managing brain cancer (GBM wild-type).1 Prior to his retirement, he held the General Manager position at Birch Search for 2 years and 9 months, based in Sydney.1
Highlights
A Few Career Tips After 40 Years In The Trenches!
Last Thursday I learnt that I have a brain tumour and have surgery this Friday. I want to share a few random learnings that I have picked up over my 40 year career. I have worked in Marketing and International General Management with several corporations including Diageo, H.J. Heinz and Boots Healthcare / Reckitt. I have also had 10 years as a headhunter in healthcare and the not-for-profit sector.
· Find a job that you feel passionate about doing. Do not choose a career because it pays the most $s or because it is what your parents want you to do! · Consider the not-for-profit space – there are some excellent people doing incredible and fulfilling work eg in homelessness, mental health and protecting the planet. · If your “face fits” in a company (you are happy there and they are supporting you on your career journey), do not be in a rush to leave. · Do not tolerate a toxic culture. Do not hang around if your boss is negatively affecting your confidence. Same applies in any relationship in your life. · Be kind to your colleagues, especially your subordinates. There is no glory in being a bastard! · Seek organisations that genuinely care about their people and offer reasonable job security. These days, most publicly listed corporates are all about maximising shareholder return, their lofty mission statements are often a sham. A shining light here in Australia is Pharmacare where the owner and CEO manage a thriving business but genuinely care for their people. · Be sure to build and nurture your network, no matter how busy you are. You will not regret it. · Most of us will experience the horror of redundancy at some point. Try not try take it personally. It can take a long time to land your next job. But never lose hope – keep on trying. Be proactive by reaching out to people. Be flexible eg change industry or set up your own business. The network that you have nurtured, will make all the difference! · Prioritise finding work / life balance. Have time with your family and friends. Look after yourself – care for your physical and mental health.
