Kevin Jurd
Consultant, Sydney
30 years at Spencer Stuart
Describe what you’re doing currently.
After 30 years at Spencer Stuart, I now have “my time” and I’m spending it wisely with four grandchildren scattered across the globe, traveling extensively, playing golf around the planet and enjoying holidays with no more time-sapping client long list calls at midnight or 6 am. Living in Australia, time zone calls are now MY choosing. Fitness is also a big part of the daily routine so I can keep the above activities lasting longer. After two years retired, I still receive calls from past clients and candidates seeking career advice, which I truly enjoy.
What is your favorite Spencer Stuart memory?
The very global nature of our firm. Meeting so many incredibly interesting and smarter-than-me people across the globe and the differing cultures from Latam, the U.S., Canada, UK, South Africa, Asia and others. It was a melting pot of fun and smart people.
How did your time at Spencer Stuart impact you personally and professionally?
Spencer Stuart was my first consulting career opportunity. I had been in corporate life before that. Gaining the personal confidence to build long-term consulting relationships with clients and candidates was very difficult at first. It took a good three to four years to build “sticky” trust with people. Instant gratification was not part of the business model. I now rarely look at short, quick wins, as much as I would love them; long-term frameworks are now part of my DNA, thanks to Spencer Stuart.
How did your view of leadership evolve over the course of your career?
Great question. I started at Spencer Stuart as a “generalist.” It was before practices existed. I was doing search assignments for roles ranging from chief mining engineer to the operations director for a bread company. We moved to the practice structure to focus on specific industry skills and competencies, and leadership was built around those. I was very committed to focused, targeted industry skills to answer a client’s needs. However, in the latter part of my career I did evolve my thinking to see leadership stretch well across our practice boundaries: a great retailer could be a sensational banker, a CEO of a hospital group could come from aviation. Leadership doesn’t have to come from the same “swim lane.” Our practices could become a hinderance to identifying great leaders who can cross over.
What is your proudest achievement?
To be voted by my peer group of global partners at the Arizona Partners Meeting in 2022 to receive the McGinley Award. I was very humbled.
What experience isn’t on your official CV that you feel had a significant impact on your career?
I have been a member of a Surf Lifesaving Club in Sydney for 50 years. The club has members from EVERY walk of life. When you walk into that club, status doesn’t exist, and you are all one. It taught me not to be afraid or nervous around status.
What are 2-3 fun facts about yourself?
Not sure they are fun facts, but I don’t take life too seriously, I enjoy a late-night margarita with friends, and I know a few terrible dad jokes.
What book, movie or show would you recommend?
The movie "The Matrix.” It was shot here in Sydney and I watched it being made, and I still don’t understand it.