Meet the Team: An Interview with Joseph Waruiru

We sat down with our Consultant, Joseph Waruiru, to find out more about his career.

ABOUT JOSEPH

What’s your current role at Millar Cameron?

I work as a Consultant to deliver recruitment projects for our clients, typically for senior executive roles across the Global South, with particular emphasis on sub-Saharan Africa. I am responsible for completing searches, identifying top talent and engaging with interested candidates while ensuring an excellent candidate experience.

Why executive search? What led you to a career in this space?

I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science with an interest in how people can leverage technology to solve problems. Working in executive search is something I had not previously considered but early in my career I got an opportunity to use technology to improve hiring processes. This experience triggered a realization that one of the biggest problems organisations face is attracting the right talent.

I had a clear opportunity to work with people and I took the leap into the world of executive search and selection. I gained a Prosci® Change Management Certification with key skills in developing change management strategies, plans and interventions. I am also a Certified Psychometrist with expertise in administering Saville, AoN and Strengthscope® Assessments.

Executive search services present organisations the opportunity to access a wider pool of qualified candidates and leverage the firm’s expertise in identifying and evaluating candidates. We pride ourselves in thinking outside the box in placing the right candidates in impactful positions.

How would you describe your style of client relationship management?

I seek to create win-win situations between candidates and clients. I’m here to help my client to get the best candidate for their open and future positions. At the same time, I exist to help my candidates assess positions clearly and make the best decision based on their career goals.

ABOUT MILLAR CAMERON

What made you choose Millar Cameron?

Millar Cameron has a bold mission to be at the forefront of the development of Africa and other emerging markets through thoughtful executive search. This vision attracted me to the organization along with the diverse local and international team that I get to work with.

Working with Millar Cameron gives me the opportunity to learn new markets, companies and geographies.

How would you describe Millar Cameron and the work you do?

The work that I do is both challenging and fulfilling. Our search process goes beyond placing candidates to building relationships with experts and collecting market information and insights on behalf of our clients.

Our knowledge of our markets and clients compounds with every engagement making us the best partners for your executive search needs.

Recruiting for senior management, director and C-suite positions requires a unique skill set. How do you prepare your candidates for the recruitment process at this level?

I prepare my candidates by clearly communicating the strategic focus and desired impact for the clients I represent. I present the opportunity to engage in fulfilling work while growing professionally. We also discuss the practicalities of the position including location, percentage of travel, scope and remuneration to ensure that expectations are aligned on both sides.

The rule of thumb in supporting candidates is to ensure that they have all the relevant information to confidently make a decision about the suitability of a position.

ABOUT THE SECTOR

Can you share an exciting project you're currently working on at Millar Cameron and its potential impact on the communities in sub-Saharan Africa?

I am currently working on a project with the World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) to place a Director of Environment for their global team. WCF promotes collaboration amongst their members who include farmer cooperatives, chocolate manufactures and other players in the cocoa value chain, to build impactful solutions for a more sustainable cocoa sector.

It is fulfilling to contribute to an organization that cares about improving farmer incomes and combating child labour and deforestation a sector that is plagued by numerous challenges. This position is key in transforming the cocoa industry by promoting a deforestation free supply chain while protecting farmer livelihoods.

The agri-business sector is key to developing economic and social growth in communities across Africa. Could you share some experiences or stories about your interactions with individuals in this sector? How have these encounters shaped your understanding of the sector's impact on African communities?

Approximately 75% of Africans rely on agricultural productivity for their livelihoods. However, agriculture in African countries is practiced on a small scale, low technology approach. Speaking to professionals in these sectors has raised the awareness of the need for governments in Africa to set policy frameworks that support agro-industrialization and encourage investments. Africa can feed Africa, and this is driving efforts to scale up productivity through technology, managing water sources, and providing incentives to financial organizations to invest in the agribusiness sector.

What do you see as the biggest recruitment opportunity and conversely challenge, currently playing out within the international development space over the next 12 months.

The international development space is emphasizing the need for sustainability and responsible production of goods. In the next 12 months, we will see the rise of deforestation free products and value chains focused on the protection of the environment. While there are challenges such as ‘green washing’, this is a positive move in reversing the effects of deforestation and making the world a better place to live.