Q&A with Team Capital’s David Pierce Hallahan

WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
DPH: I was born and raised in Cork, Ireland, the middle of three children. My family moved around a lot because my father was a banker from the West Coast of Ireland in the days where the manager lived above the shop. I spent much of my early family life in the UK, and then lived many years in France and Belgium where I developed an interest in travel, different cultures and working practices. I believe that life is all about our being and striving to become the very best version of ourselves.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO EXECUTIVE SEARCH?
DPH: I contacted a Paris based search firm to assist me in my first job search; however, rather than match me with a client they hired me on the spot for their own firm! I was part of a team of 12 different nationalities and was constantly exposed to new cultures and protocols- I saw it as a golden opportunity early in my career.

WHAT IMPRESSES YOU?
DPH: People with a real sense of purpose, who really care about what they are doing and are passionate about what they are trying to achieve. Someone with the drive, soft skills and cultural intelligence to succeed. I am also inspired by self-aware, intuitive people who can work as a team, look at the bigger picture and are truly focused on long term relationships and friendships.

BEST THING ABOUT EXECUTIVE SEARCH?
DPH: Being close to the clients. Seeing how great leaders we recruit inspire action and their profound impact on the bottom line. Managing the complexities of cross-border assignments and multi-national team building is a truly rewarding process. There is a real sense of pride watching how people evolve and how our clients succeed. I don’t take lightly the key role we play recruiting leading executives around the world and the impact those leaders have.

WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?
DPH: I enjoy weekend travel with my wife throughout mainland Europe, watching my beloved Manchester United play at The Theatre of Dreams or when stateside watching the Milwaukee Brewers and Wisconsin Badgers! I am also a keen runner, cyclist and swimmer.