40 over 40: Chris Englin
2008-06-05
When I was ten, I was paid $2.00 (and the gift of a turquoise bracelet) for watering houseplants and the yard for our vacationing neighbor. They presented me a house key, which I took very seriously. It was such a rewarding experience that it launched my work life, as I sought out any job that a kid could get.
Best recruiting moment:
There’s so many to choose from! I would have to say it was when I founded my own recruiting firm and worked with Vulcan to place their first HR team. Being out on my own and placing human resources professionals who I knew well and respected was profoundly satisfying.
Worst recruiting moment?
After more than twenty years of recruiting, there are a few bad moments from the early days that I vividly remember. I worked for a major retailer that had a policy of interviewing everyone who asked for a job – we weren’t allowed to say “no” to anyone. One declined candidate tracked down my home address, and drove his motorcycle onto my front lawn in the middle of the night shouting he loved me! He succeeded in scaring me, my roommates, and the rest of my quiet little Ballard neighborhood half to death. I learned that a) some people need a more firm decline and b) get an unlisted number!
Why a blog? (Referring to www.seattleexecutiverecruiting.com, where 40 over 40 started.)
I have been resisting a recruiting blog since they became popular and honestly I might not have taken this step had it not been for Gina enthusiastically dragging me into the blogosphere. Carving out the time to write will be a challenge for me considering that I am flying by the seat of my pants most days. But we have a vision. While there are some good recruiting blogs, we will be voicing our opinions on topics specific to the Northwest and relevant to the people we talk to every day. The contributions from others (many interesting people have already expressed an interest) will round out the content and make for lively discussions!
Profession other than your own you would like to try: Activist! I would love to volunteer unlimited amounts of time and experience to organizations and causes that I believe in.
Favorite Movie:
A & E’s version of “Pride and Prejudice”. I could also watch “Groundhog Day” again, and again, and again…until I get it right!
Guilty Pleasure:
Project Runway! (Come on, admit it. You watch it too…)
Where you hail from:
I was raised in Tucson, Arizona and Fountain Valley, California and then landed in Bellevue where I went to high school.
Favorite place to dine:
Café Nola on Bainbridge Island. Have the Island greens and a chile rellano, yum! Or Santa Fe Café for posole, carne adovada, blue corn. Ah, the food of “my people” and spicy enough for Gina, too.
Who you would like to meet?
It would have been amazing to have met–and perhaps prepared a meal along side–Julia Child! She led an interesting life, pursued her passions, married the love of her life and enjoyed every moment. I can almost hear her say “Bon Apetit!”
Superpower wanted:
The ability to manipulate the space-time continuum like Hiro Nakamura on Heroes. I would freeze time in order to get caught up and go back in time to fix ANYTHING!
Passionate Cause:
Any cause that benefits children.
Books on your nightstand:
"What is the What" by Dave Eggers. I just finished this book and I highly recommend it to everyone. The autobiography of Valentino Achak Deng, one of the lost boys of Sudan, it's a captivating story told in flashbacks recounting his journey from the age of nine to present. While it is a tragic story, the book somehow manages to be inspiring not depressing.
Also:
"Three Cups of Tea" by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin, "Mountains Beyond Mountains: Healing the World" by Tracy Kidder, "My Life in France" by Julia Child and Alex Prud'Homme.
Favorite tune on your ipod: I am hooked on "Defying Gravity" from the "Wicked" soundtrack. I love Idina Menzel’s voice and repeatedly hit replay when I’m in the car (and the boys’ aren’t paying attention). Short of reprinting the entire lyrics here, this song inspires me in many ways: "Every one deserves the chance to fly."
Favorite Vacation Spot: I look forward to any vacation with my family but especially those where the weather is warm and the sun is shining!
Describe your favorite type of client: I find it personally and professionally rewarding to work with clients who truly partner with me. Through a give and take of information, I am able to work strategically and place top-level talent in my clients’ organizations. My favorite situation is one in which I am building a team for a client. This allows me to identify people that work well together and have complimentary skill sets that allow for long-term placements. Fun!
Favorite Quote: "Be the change that you want to see in the world." Mohandas Gandhi