The 'A Bold Move' Breakfast, 29th June 2012

Michael Divers started his career in Personnel in Glasgow where he progressed to leading HR teams in Glasgow City Council, the Student Loans Company and Scottish Enterprise. After moving to London in 2001 he set up a headhunting business in the City as part of a recruitment advertising agency Bartlett Scott Edgar. He joined the Boards of both BSEL and its parent company TMP Worldwide: finding himself quickly but firmly established in the City. In 2006, Michael was part of the leadership team that acquired TMP Worldwide from its parent, Monster Worldwide, with private equity backing from Graphite Capital. But then came the bold decision to step off the corporate ladder and start-up his own business, and in 2010 Michael left TMP Worldwide. His next move was to Brighton where he collaborated with former Barlett Scott Edgar colleague Heather Staff, who had just left the leading HR consultancy Penna, to create bold_hr. Now working by the sea and under his own steam, Michael and the team have successfully set about working with clients to deconstruct some of the myths and gobbledegook surrounding HR. At this inspirational breakfast Michael shares his personal journey in moving from a senior corporate role to starting up a new business in Brighton - the highs and lows and why he believes more than ever that a new and bolder approach to the people agenda is essential if businesses are to grow and be more profitable.