Confessions of a Headhunter series: Lesson #1

Written by Raj Tulsiani

Introducing our Confessions of a Headhunter series - 20 years of lessons, laughs, and leadership.

In this animated series, Green Park's CEO Raj Tulsiani lifts the lid on two decades in the headhunting world - sharing the wins, the missteps, and the moments that changed how he leads & the company recruits.  

The artwork was commissioned from an incredibly talented illustrator, Neil Kerber.

Each piece highlights a simple idea - what shapes decisions at the top level is rarely what’s written in the brief - it’s how people think, how they challenge, and how they respond when it matters. These are not theories - they are moments that have influenced outcomes, appointments, and long-term partnerships.

Each story will be posted in the coming weeks. If any resonate, we’d welcome the conversation. Feel free to reach out, and we will be in touch.

Confessions of a Headhunter: ...inter alia.

20 years of lessons, laughs, and leadership – but what really happens behind the scenes of executive search?

In this series, Green Park’s CEO, Raj Tulsiani, shares the patterns he’s seen across two decades advising leaders and organisations - brought to life through animation.

A long time ago, before Green Park had a 20-year anniversary to celebrate, one of our flock found themselves being escorted into a client meeting that felt like an audition for City: The Musical. Top floor. Glass walls. The sort of room where the air costs money.

I was waiting - slightly nervous, slightly underqualified, and very aware that my tie was… not doing the heavy lifting.

In walked the Head of Corporate Finance: immaculate suit, crisp white shirt, and a tie so sharp it probably had its own P&L. His cuff initials were stitched like a warning label.

He sat down, looked me in the eye, and said:

“So. What do you know about Corporate Finance?”

I went with honesty (and a small prayer).

“Not much. But give me one sentence and I’m dangerous - and I’ve delivered talent to your competitors.”

He didn’t blink. Instead, he launched into a ten-minute masterclass on his world: what the bank did, what he needed, what good looked like - peppered with Latin phrases like they were seasoning. It ended with a flourish:

“...inter alia.”

Then he stopped. Pause. Ball in my court. The longest thirty seconds of my life followed.

And then I asked the question you’re not supposed to ask:

“Sorry - when you say inter alia… what do you mean exactly?”

He laughed. Properly laughed.

And then he said:

“Did you understand much of what I said before that?”

“Not really, no.”

He leaned in.

“I like you. You weren’t afraid to expose yourself. Most people nod and smile. And then they get found out.”

I got the search. We delivered. And, unexpectedly, we became friends.

Moral:

Ask the awkward question early. Truth builds trust faster than performance ever will.

If you’d like to learn more about Green Park and what we can do for you, we would be delighted to make time for you. Get in touch.