The IHR Partnerships Team is unique in so many ways, but what they all have in common is a passion for the recruitment industry. We truly appreciate that it is their special traits and personal stories that drive the success of our team. We aim to share more about the partnerships team at IHR so that you can learn more about us!
We’re excited to feature IHR co-founder, Mark Lennox, with a quick-fire interview. He also included some fun (and one quite funny) photos that best represent him to give a face to the name. Don’t forget to connect with him on LinkedIn!
Tell us a little bit about yourself, starting with where you’re from?
I was born in Nairobi, Kenya and moved to the UK when I was just 3 years old. I’ve been back to Kenya a few times but the majority of my family moved to South Africa so that’s been very close to my heart too. I have to say SA is one of the most beautiful places on earth, I love it and am planning a trip back soon!
Where do you live now?
I now live in a little village just outside of Sevenoaks called Hildenborough with the loves of my life; Olivia (13), Amelie (9), Violet (9) and my girlfriend, Pernille (she’s Danish in case you were wondering)! It’s quiet (the village, not my children) and has some fantastic country pubs and is just a few minutes from Hever Castle, Penshurst Place and Knole Park – which are just incredible places to visit. I feel extremely lucky on so many levels.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
If you’d asked me a year ago I would have said squash and running as I was very close to completing life-long ambitions of representing the National Squash team and breaking 18 minutes for a 5k run. But… I snapped my achilles and my sporting world came crashing down around me. I spent 3 months laying on a bed in quite a lot of pain before rebuilding my strength (both physical and mental) to get on a bike to enhance my rehabilitation. I’m now cycling around a 100 miles a week and loving being competitive again. I miss my squash but that’s going to take more time. Aside from sport, I love making roasts, building sandcastles and have been known to dress up as Axl Rose!
What motivates you?
I’ve always wondered what success looks and feels like. I’ve learned over the years it’s not about money, or fame or even what people think about you. It’s about feeling deep down inside that you’ve made a success of whatever it is that’s important to you at that time. I’ve also learned that the playing field changes and so do your goals and ambitions. As you get older, I’m 45 now – which sounds very old I know, it’s about being the best person I can be and providing the best life for my family and friends.
It would also be remiss not to mention my mum. She’s my inspiration. She brought up 3 children on her own after a tragic set of events. She’s incredibly strong, resourceful, generous and, well I could go on all day but you get the message 😊.
Tell us about founding IHR!
I’m a recruiter at heart after starting my agency career in 1994 (believe it or not). I went on to set up various other ventures, one of which was a group of job boards which needed exposure to an in-house audience. We set up an In-house Linkedin group, which got bigger and more engaging. It led to events, lots of content, awards and more. In short, our idea of our own little community became valuable to others, not least our community members. I’m really proud of the business and can’t wait to reveal more plans for the future.
What do you like about working in partnerships?
I love creating opportunities and then seeing them work. I know that’s not very specific but we have a lot of different ways for our industry supplier partners to engage with our audience so it’s extremely rewarding to advise on a strategy and for it to just work. Aside from the job function itself, I get to work with a very talented team – all of whom I’m extremely proud of. You know they’re good when they pleasantly surprise you all the time.
What are your favourite IHR events?
For me it has to be the In-house Recruitment Awards. I remember back in 2012 popping out a post in our Linkedin group asking if anyone fancied getting involved. I was literally inundated with responses which told me that In-house Recruiters were underappreciated and needed recognition from the industry and more importantly, from within their own businesses. This event has grown from 250 dinner guests to 1000 which says it all. It’s one hell of a party that we all love to deliver.
How have you found balance since isolation started and working from home?
If you recall, I spent 3 months pretty much on my own through injury so I think I’ve adapted pretty quickly. That said, I miss the physical interaction and all the unexpected benefits of spending time in person with our team. I like to think that I’m pretty disciplined so I’ve kept up my exercise and routines which have given me a very positive place to hang onto.
What are you most looking forward to in 2020?
We’ve been working extremely hard throughout this lockdown. A lot of plans and projects have been delivered and are now waiting to be unveiled. Seeing it all come together will be a momentous occasion for each and every person that has worked so hard throughout. Specifically, I’m looking forward to the moment when you look back at this crazy year and say, remember 2020? I’m glad we’re past all that now and look at what we’ve achieved.
What you hope to come in the rest of Q3?
Some good and positive news. I think we all need to see some movement and for people and businesses to get back to do what they do best. If it doesn’t happen at the end of Q3, it won’t be for lack of trying and it will come soon.
