Jon Hull
Global Head of Talent Acquisition, Looking for next challenge
1. Who was your favourite teacher at school? What did you learn from that person?
Mr Robinson (still friends with him now) He was my English A Level Teacher but opened my mind to so much more. He has boundless enthusiasm and sense of curiosity which extended to being curious about his students answers. He never discouraged always open minded. This has stayed with me – eg having a sense of questioning and seeking to understand not close down. He is now 70 and is godfather to my son.
2. At what age did you become an adult? What happened, and how did you know?
I think the birth of my first daughter – Isabella. There was a moment driving away from the hospital that I was now responsible in so many ways. Another human being depended on me (and her mum). Decisions and actions I make would have consequences beyond my own narrow world. A sense of responsibility and great privilege. The caring for another human brings a huge sense of humility.
3. What do you think is true that most people think is false? What do you think is false, that most people think is true?
I think pay for performance is nonsense – in only a very narrow set of circumstances does it work, yet across the HR and corporate world we persist with it – with often some very dire consequences. False – that we should run our economy like household budget – need I say more… Lazy, short sighted and in no one’s interest
4. What are the three books that you would unhesitatingly recommend to others? Why?
Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. Dickens captures the human condition and understands the redemptive power of humans and love. Also the writing is terrific
23 Things They Don’t Tell You About Capitalism by Ha-Joon Chang – the Korean economist (by no means a marxist) completely destroys our current economic model and suggests ways (not radical) how it could improve and be more sustainable – very funny as well
Can I Come Down Now Dad by John Hegleor any books – he is master modern poet and hilarious – his poems and dogs, glasses and the dysfunction of family… He was also writing poetry about Luton Town a long time ago”!
5. What’s one misconception people generally have about you?
That i am not passionate or don’t care. Over the years I have managed to manage my emotions. As a younger man – I wore my heart on my sleeve and this wasnt always to my advantage – so over the years I have developed a poker face or calm exterior. I have been told that this comes across sometimes as being disinterested
6. What is the number one thing you would recommend every person in the world to practice from now on in order to increase their happiness and wellbeing?
Own a dog… They are so calming, force you to get out for a walk even when you dont feel like it – and no matter how low you feel – they are always pleased to see you
7. In current industry conversation, what is an example of ‘making a mountain out of a molehill’?
Its the constant noise that Resourcing needs a ‘seat at the table’ or report into elsewhere other than HR. On both fronts what nonsense… Firstly we do have influence – we often dont know how to influence to know what to do with it when we have it and on the second point why would you divorce the human part of the organistion into even greater silos…?
8) Have you always had the same political beliefs? If so, why do you think you have held them so long? If not, what event caused you to change your view?
I have always been left leaning since I was about 18 (both parents were conservative although my mum radicalised as she got older)! If anything the last 25 years have made me more progressive (left wing if you like). The inequality in society is a real problem both from a moral point of view and from an effectiveness angle. Also we need an active government or state to help manage through the issues of AI, Climate threat etc. We have left this to the market for so long and look where it has taken us to…
9) What app or tech product have you most recently fallen in love with?
A robot vacuum cleaner – with a toddler, a dog and a teenage son living in the house – this is life changing
10) What would be the perfect gift that someone could buy you right now?
Lands End – John O Groats Bike ride – great challenge not done it because of other commitments – my (now wife) has put up with a lot of my marathon and triathlon events in the past few years – not really fair to disappear for 2 weeks..
11) Which fictional villain do you find yourself sympathising with most? Why?
Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders…. Firstly there is an element of him being misunderstood but the sheer hedonism is something I could never attain…
12. Aside from family & friends, if you could invite any 3 people - living or dead - to your final dinner party before the end of the world, who would they be and why?
Nelson Mandela – To understand how he and the ANC navigated that whole situation and how made peace with his enemies
Brian Cox – Understanding more about the Universe is just fascinating and he communicates so well
Chrissie Wellington – Ironman World Champion 3 years in a row and really influential in the Parkrun movement
13. What’s the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received? Who gave it and when?
I was asked to do some work in APAC any my boss at the time said dont assume they trust Head Office folk – listen to understand (always good advice)
14. What's a skill that isn’t on your resume, but your former bosses would recognize as one of the reasons you are successful?
I would say that I can bring people from different backgrounds together and really understand how they work. People who have worked with me have valued me being democratic
15. What’s the one bad quality you wouldn’t mind in a colleague? Why?
Speaking against a group. As long as the challenge is coming from a viewpoint to change things for the better or to challenge status quo – if it is to destruct thats different
16. Have you ever been the weakest member of a team? How did you handle it?
I never assume other the weakest member of team until I can prove otherwise. Really important listen (2 ears one mouth) and question lots before trying to prove anything
17. What’s one industry challenge you don’t actually think will ever get solved?
Candidate experience – i think despite all of the noise and potential tech – its not high enough up the agenda. There are tropes that candidates are like consumers – They are to an extent but the economic cycle gets in the way. I think in the current market there is a much bigger opportunity to solve the problem because certain types of candidate are in the driving seat – for once it is at the volume end of the market.
18. Do you have a secret tip, tool or trick that’s contributed to your success?
Its not about the tech – its about the people and process, the tech enhances those!
19. If you could add a question for the next person to answer, what would it be?
What are 3 skills recruiters need now and if it is to change what will they be in 10 years time?
20. Who would you recommend to do the next 20 Questions With … ?
Lisa Scales
Thank you to Jon Hull for taking 20 Questions for The Brainfood Tribune. Make sure to follow Jon on LinkedIn.