10 Years of Talk Staff – Director Profile – Gary Parsons
- July 23, 2019
- Posted by: Jack Hardy
- Category: News & Annoucements
As part of the 10 Year Birthday celebrations the directors have been quizzed about themselves and the company, so that they can share their experiences.
This blog focuses on Gary Parsons the Managing Director, taking a closer look into his mission and influences in life.
Hi Gary, can you introduce yourself please?
Hi, my name is Gary Parsons and I’m one of Talk Staff’s founders – we established the business in 2009, during the Great Recession. I lead strategic growth, on behalf of our board, whilst being careful in maintaining operational performance, my role as Managing Director sees me working across our office network, whilst collaborating on key projects with our amazing senior management team.
Outside of work – You’ll often find me relaxing with friends, improving my fitness at the gym (…still working on my six pack) or getting involved with different charities, including my recent efforts in raising money for Cancer Research UK by learning the Charleston within 8 weeks and raising over £1,500… Not to forget, the opportunity of dancing in front of family/friends at Derby’s famous Roundhouse.
What life experiences or events have influenced who you are, what you think and what you do?
From an early age, I was selling computers to my friends and teachers… all while juggling my GCSE’s. You could say that I started early in business.
I always dreamt of owning my own successful business and by 21 I was determined to achieve this. Driven by my Mum, who has single handedly raised me, all whilst making sure that I had the best that she could afford while also always being surrounded by a family that nurtured me into what I am today.
Growing up in a world where nothing was taken for granted, every friendship cherished and one where I’ve constantly been learning, I have built a thick skin.
Since 2009 (yes, the recession when I started Talk Staff) I have continued to evolve, and every day has taught me a lesson. It’s definitely shaped me into the person I am today and helped me learn that ethics are the most important factor in achieving my goals.
What is your mission in life?
So many people have helped me in my life and have helped us grow Talk Staff into what we have today. I’ve been inspired by so many amazing people.
If I can inspire 1% of the population, help them build amazing businesses and mentor/develop the people around me to achieve their goals then I’ll be happy.
I was asked recently whether my desire for alignment of values exceeded my desire to achieve profits, however it was clear to me that both need to exist to achieve my mission. Unfortunately, you do need money but it’s what you do with it and how you get the money that counts.
How do you identify yourself, and how do you want to be seen by others?
It might sound like a surprise (sarcasm), but I recently undertook a personal values assessment and was pleased to find out that my top value is:
Humility – Not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less.
What activities/jobs do you find easy and what do you find challenging?
I’m reminded regularly that I can talk to anyone (good job we’re called Talk Staff!) but managing a growing business has to be the biggest challenge that I face each and every day. With a fantastic team around me to be able to achieve our vision, including their views too, this challenge certainly becomes less difficult and more enjoyable.
How open are you to feedback and how likely are you to admit mistakes?
Without feedback, I can’t grow and however difficult it is, I know it’s important to listen but yes, it’s hard sometimes.
As an entrepreneur, the qualities that we relate to are usually passion and ambition. Often this turns into frustration and there’s nothing more frustrating than hearing you’ve made a mistake… We’re the ones that take it most personally.
There’s more to come!
There will be more blogs to follow from both Gary and David about them, Talk Staff and the future! Follow our social media pages to make sure you don’t miss them!
Last Updated on 4 years by Gary Parsons
