Talking Heads - Nondescript start set Tony on hard route to success

Tony Grantham

Director,

Adcorp Information Agency,

recruitment and advertising firm.


What makes your day?


My day is made once we've made our clients' day - a combination of solution-based service and timely delivery. Taking the time to assess where we've come from and look towards where we're going is also very rewarding.

Growth's great. My day is made when we achieve what we set out to do, by listening to our clients and using the energy and innovation that our company can offer. As a recruitment advertising agency we believe that good service is not enough - you have to strive to provide great service and deliver the unexpected. When my staff and I do that, then that makes my day.

How did you get where you are today?


Ironically, I responded to a fairly nondescript ad in the paper that mentioned the words "advertising" and "recruitment." The profile of recruitment advertising has grown a lot in recent years - now you might have to place a much larger ad to grab my attention.

What is your management style?


Fairly relaxed with a good mix of direction and desire. We've made a deliberate effort to recruit a team of intelligent, aware and very focused people - and that helps big time.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in your field today?


Our industry is in a constant buzz of development because of leaps in technology, the growing presence of the internet and the ideals of employer branding. The opportunities for someone to enter the industry and make a real contribution grow larger and more diverse each day. People entering this business should know what they want, talk to people in the industry and learn from them. And if you're bright come and work for us.

Who was your most important mentor?


I wouldn't single out one particular person but when you're in an industry that surrounds you with many different types of people you quickly learn to pinch their good points and, more importantly, remember what they weren't that good at.

What was your biggest career break?


Probably the opportunities I was provided with when working in Britain and not taking the easiest route when returning to New Zealand. Starting something from scratch and watching it grow is a great way to work out what you want to be doing.

What's the biggest challenge for your organisation in the present economy?


The biggest challenge for us is to continue to provide a "how I'd like to be treated service" to our clients.

How do you relax?


Head north, find a book, a beach and occasionally rise for a swim. Then head home after the traffic is well gone.

What skill would you most like to have?


I'd love the ability to float above the business and run a critical eye over all we do - put myself inside other people's heads. Personally it would be great if I could surf for longer than it takes to get wet.

How important is it to keep a sense of humour in your job?


I think humour is vital in every industry. But what's even more important for us is to create and nurture an environment that helps people of varying personalities to feel free to deliver award-winning performances.

* Tony Grantham talked with Susan Jennison.