Career Journeys in Talent Acquisition: Tom Greenwood

Thanks for reading! This series is designed to shine a spotlight on Talent Acquisition professionals and highlight their career journeys and learnings so far. Today, we're joined by Tom Greenwood. If you'd like to be next, please reach out to a TTC Community Manager.

Introduce yourself:

Tom is a Global Recruitment Leader specialising in GTM and Leadership. For me, Talent Acquisition isn’t just a function, it’s a mission to connect exceptional people with opportunities that transform businesses

Can you walk us through the key milestones in your career in the talent acquisition space? What were some pivotal moments or decisions that shaped your journey?

Leaving the corporate world of recruitment to set up my 1st recruitment company was pivotal in my career. This sent me down the path of more Talent Acquisition, embedding myself in Pre Series A startups around the world, assisting founders with those critical hires and aligning there company mission with a people plan. This is where I truly found my passion for sharing knowledge and offering guidance, not just putting bums on seats. The 2nd pivotal moment would have been in the last few years my exposure into the investment landscape. Partnering with VCs and PEs offering both people consultancy and also as a Talent Partner.

In this rapidly evolving industry, what strategies or practices have you adopted to continuously enhance your skills and stay ahead of the curve? Do you have any resources or learning methods you'd recommend to others?

I am a huge advocate for continuous development and spend 30 to 60 mins before bed reading the likes of Simon Sinek which reinforces the foundation of my leadership style. Also, I am fortunate to work in the startup market and advise on new talent software which allows me to often see new offerings in Beta format, this keeps me ahead in that regard. However the biggest resource is your network, surrounding yourself with people who know more than you, this is why I joined TTC. You’ve heard the saying, “If you’re the most intelligent person in the room, your in the wrong room?” right!

What has been the most challenging aspect of your career in talent acquisition, especially when you were actively seeking work? How did you overcome it, and what advice would you offer to others facing similar hurdles?

I think it has to navigating 5 recruitment companies through the pandemic, whilst many were made redundant or furloughed, we were able to keep all staff employed providing support to Lloyds Pharmacy, building hubs of Pharmacists across the UK in order to maintain the supply chain of medications to the most vulnerable. My advice, and I believe it rings true for 2025, is to be agile to adapt your offering.

The recruiting world can be fast-paced and demanding. How do you strike a balance between your professional commitments and personal life? Are there specific routines or rituals you follow?

I have always struggled with this one as I have that all in mentality due to ADHD which wasn’t diagnosed until a few years ago. Don’t get me wrong, this has helped me achieve what I have, but since the diagnosis and the understanding of why and how my brain works, I was able to make changes which has now led me to a healthy balance. I ice bath every morning, some of you may have seen the videos 😊 I have a non negotiable of picking my son up from school for his Football every Weds. Saturdays the laptop does not open unless business critical, and Sundays is now a couple of hours on an evening preparing for the week ahead.

As someone involved in talent acquisition, you've likely witnessed various technology and trend shifts. Which technologies or trends do you believe have had the most significant impact on the industry, and how have they influenced your role?

The rise of AI and automation has arguably been the most transformative. From applicant tracking systems that now use AI to screen CVs, to automated scheduling and chatbots, these tools have drastically reduced time-to-hire and improved candidate experience. That said, the key is knowing where to use tech to enhance, not replace, the human element. I still believe recruitment is a deeply personal process tech should enhance, not overshadow, genuine engagement.

For those entering the talent acquisition space or those looking to pivot within it, what's the one piece of practical advice you'd give to help them thrive, especially if they are actively job-seeking?

Easy, focus on becoming genuinely curious about people and businesses.

Talent acquisition isn’t about ticking boxes on a CV, it’s about understanding what drives people, what challenges companies are facing, and how to bridge that gap meaningfully. When you approach conversations with curiosity instead of just trying to ‘sell’ a role or land a job, you build trust, learn faster, and spot real opportunities others miss.

Whether you're interviewing for a TA role or starting out in sourcing or recruitment, use every interaction to learn: Why does this company need this role now? What’s their growth plan? What makes this candidate tick beyond their experience?

That mindset sets the best apart. It leads to better hires, stronger client relationships, and a more rewarding career. Tech and tools will evolve but curiosity, empathy, and commercial awareness will always be your edge.