Paul McClatchie, founder of Engage People, shares his life and business lessons.
Paul, the founder and managing director of Engage People, leads a specialist Irish recruitment firm connecting career-driven professionals with top-tier clients. With over 20 years of experience, Paul has built an impressive track record, focusing on senior executive recruitment across the financial and technology sectors. His team is committed to building happier workplaces by aligning talent with high profile opportunities, such as CEO, CFO, finance director and VP of accounting.
“I always had the ambition to start my own business. People often encouraged me, and that gave me confidence”
In addition to his recruitment work, Paul is a respected voice in Ireland’s professional financial communities. He frequently speaks at events hosted by organisations, such as the Institute of Chartered Accountants and the Institute of Banking.
He also serves as a committee member for The Ireland Funds Young Leaders, and is a regular judge and presenter at the Grad Ireland Awards. A passionate rugby and football fan, Paul enjoys following Irish rugby and supporting Manchester United—though, as he jokes, he talks about that a little less these days.
Engage People recently released their 2024 Salary Guide for professionals and employers in the Financial and Technology sectors A free copy can be downloaded here.
Tell us about your background. What journey did you take to arrive at where you are today?
I’ll give you the short version! I’ve been in the recruitment sector for 23 years. I graduated in 2001 and did my thesis on the impact of the internet on recruitment. It’s funny to think, but when I started out, we still used a fax machine to send CVs. I worked for Reed in the UK for two and a half years, which was a good learning experience. I also spent two years in Sydney, where I learned a lot about high expectations and performance-driven environments.
“Our purpose is to align businesses with talent to create happier, more productive workplaces”
When I returned to Ireland in 2005, it was the height of the Celtic Tiger, and I joined CPL, one of the biggest recruitment companies here. I spent 10 years there, rising from senior recruiter to director, leading a team of about 30 people. I also worked through the financial crash, which was a major learning experience in terms of maintaining a positive mindset and working through challenges.
Why did you start your own business, and what challenges did you face?
I always had the ambition to start my own business. People often encouraged me, and that gave me confidence. My wife was supportive, as was my sister Dara, who runs her own business.
“I funded the business myself by working really hard in the first six months, generating enough revenue to hire people. Over the years, we’ve grown moderately. Now, our goal is to have 75% of our business as exclusive or retained”
The biggest challenge was leaving CPL. It felt like deserting a family, but I had to be brave. When you’re a manager or director, you develop deep ties with your team, and that makes the decision tough. But once I made the leap, it was a matter of rolling up my sleeves and working hard. I spent the first six months generating revenue and reinvested in hiring people by the end of 2016.
What is your business’s purpose, and what sets it apart from competitors?
Our purpose is to align businesses with talent to create happier, more productive workplaces. It’s a unique opportunity where we help companies find people who are not only the right fit but who will also be happy. That alignment is critical.
“I’d say my mother has been a huge role model. After my father passed away when I was 17, her approach was very much about how you deal with what life throws at you”
We don’t just throw job specs at candidates; we take the time to understand their motivations, whether it’s career growth, the rapport with their manager, or wanting to work in a particular sector. We also emphasize creating a strong employer value proposition, especially for mid-sized businesses that may not have the same brand recognition as multinationals.
What need are you meeting in the market, and what’s your USP?
We align business needs with talent, which helps create a more productive and happy workforce. We place around 150 people every year, and we focus on really understanding candidates’ motivations, whether financial or career-driven, to ensure the best fit. It’s about matching the right people to the right business, and I think that’s why we get high satisfaction rates.
How did you fund your business, and what are your growth plans?
I funded the business myself by working really hard in the first six months, generating enough revenue to hire people. Over the years, we’ve grown moderately. Now, our goal is to have 75% of our business as exclusive or retained.
“One piece that stuck with me is, ‘What’s the point of running a business if you don’t enjoy working in it?’ That mindset has kept me action-focused”
We’re also building talent pools and reducing reliance on platforms like LinkedIn. And, we’re considering opening an office in Lisbon by 2026, which is an exciting prospect for international growth.
Who has been your greatest mentor or inspiration?
I’d say my mother has been a huge role model. After my father passed away when I was 17, her approach was very much about how you deal with what life throws at you. That mindset helped me a lot. From a business perspective, I’ve been part of a group called the Inner Circle led by Shane Craddock. He’s focused a lot on mindset and creating a healthy environment at work, which has been invaluable.
What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?
One piece that stuck with me is, ‘What’s the point of running a business if you don’t enjoy working in it?’ That mindset has kept me action-focused. If someone or something isn’t working, you need to make decisions quickly and not let things drag.
What circumstances or qualities make the difference between success and failure in business?
I think it’s about enjoying most days. I’m generally in a good place mentally, and I work hard at that. For me, it comes down to three things: focus, fitness and fun.
“Digital has been crucial for us. We use AI to create job specs, video interviews to assess candidates, and CRM systems to manage the recruitment process”
Being organised, staying fit mentally and physically, and enjoying what I do. It’s also important to keep challenging yourself, even when things get tough.
What have you found to be the most challenging aspect of starting and growing the business?
Starting out was about getting up and running and focusing on what was in my control. I think growing the business has been about putting strong systems in place and making sure we’re consistent. You can’t do everything yourself as you scale, so you need the right people and processes.
How did you navigate your business through the pandemic, and what lessons did you learn?
We invested a lot in marketing and kept the mood upbeat. We did a lot of virtual quizzes, and I tried to keep the team engaged. I also realised the importance of timing and taking opportunities as they arise. We grew significantly in 2021, and I think that was because we were proactive during the pandemic.
How has digital transformation impacted your business, and do you think Irish firms are using digital technology enough?
Digital has been crucial for us. We use AI to create job specs, video interviews to assess candidates, and CRM systems to manage the recruitment process. I think there’s still room for Irish firms to embrace technology more, though. I don’t think the financial or legal sectors are quite there yet, and while there are great tools like BI software, it feels like there’s still a bit to go in terms of fully integrating digital solutions.
If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?
I don’t have many regrets. I might have been a bit more decisive about people and clearer about my vision earlier on, but I think every experience was a learning one. I definitely wouldn’t change much.
Who inspires you in business today, and what advice do you give new hires?
Steve Peters, who wrote The Chimp Paradox, is a big inspiration. His work on mindset is brilliant. For new hires, I emphasise focus, fitness and fun. I think it’s important for them to buy into the company’s goals and take ownership of their work. We also have clear 30-, 60- and 90-day plans for everyone to ensure they’re on track.
What technologies or tools do you use to stay organised?
I use Evernote for daily planning, Microsoft Outlook to block time, and TrainingPeaks for my cycling. I find these tools keep me on track, both personally and professionally.
Which social media platforms do you prefer and why?
LinkedIn is our main platform, as it’s essential for recruitment. I also use Instagram and Facebook occasionally, but I’ve distanced myself from Twitter (X) because I find it a bit negative. LinkedIn, for me, is more positive and business-focused.
If you had advice for your 21-year-old self, what would it be?
Don’t give a damn what other people think. You just have to get on with it.
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