In this engaging conversation, Craig is joined by the dynamic Alan McIvor, a seasoned headhunter and talented musician, as they explore the fascinating intersection of career development and personal passions.

Key Topics Covered:

• Alan McIvor's unique career journey from musician to executive headhunter in Taiwan.

• The role and responsibilities of a headhunter in the recruitment industry.

• Effective job searching tips: leveraging LinkedIn and maintaining proactive networking.

• The emotional and financial challenges faced by headhunters in a commission-based industry.

• Alan's advice on skills that appeal to recruiters: balancing hard and soft skills.

• Insights into the work-life balance and organizational strategies of a high-functioning professional.

• Importance of networking and maintaining resilience through career transitions.

Overview

Alan McIvor shares his unique journey from his early life in Edinburgh to his adventures across Asia. Not only is Alan a headhunter with the Paul Wright Group, specializing in recruiting senior-level professionals in Taiwan, but he also boasts an impressive background that includes teaching business at National Taiwan University and contributing insightful content for the American Chamber of Commerce.

Throughout the episode, Alan offers invaluable insights into the world of executive search and headhunting. He discusses the importance of networking and the power of LinkedIn for job seekers, highlighting the need for both hard and soft skills. Alan also delves into the emotional challenges of working in a commission-based recruitment industry, sharing how resilience is key to thriving when deals fall apart unexpectedly.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of Alan’s personal and professional growth, including his experiences balancing a thriving career alongside family life and musical pursuits. Alan recounts his journey through various career transitions, offering advice on how to embrace risk-taking and be proactive in pursuing one’s career goals. He emphasizes the importance of being comfortable with failure as part of the learning process and the power of maintaining strong professional relationships.

Join Craig and Alan as they unravel the dynamic world of executive search and the art of balancing multiple passions. This episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories that will resonate with anyone looking to navigate their own career path while staying true to their creative pursuits.

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Links

Alan on linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcivoralan/

Alan's writing - https://crossing.cw.com.tw/author/1746

Aurora Jiguang on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/1cfgM0NVduEm4Bd29vSWfk?si=3DWhomYETi2LxU5_rnQO7Q