We Recruit for the Ceiling, not the Floor!
The world is at a critical juncture, where the need for conservation and regenerative practices has never been greater. To address this pressing issue, we must not only be stewards of the environment but also challengers of the very way we do business.
We’re currently in the process of developing our talent strategy, continuously evolving the way we attract, develop, and launch the future careers of the most talented people.
We’d like to share a little of this developing thinking now, including the source of some of our inspiration. We’re going to write about the importance of our mission, the culture we’ve built, our commitment to targeting the most talented people, providing opportunities to early career professionals, our commitment to offering unparalleled development opportunities, and the fact that we are willing to compete and do so financially for the most talented early career professionals.
In the process, we’d love to encourage those very same talented early career professionals out there to give us your thoughts and feedback ahead of our 2024 internship campaign which will launch this autumn.
The Most Inspiring Mission – Scale Conservation
Inspiration: Tesla
Tesla, the electric vehicle and clean energy company led by Elon Musk, embodies an inspiring mission in the commercial sector. Tesla’s mission is to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy and reinvent transportation. This vision has not only attracted top talent in the fields of engineering, renewable energy, and automotive innovation but has also garnered a massive following among environmentally conscious consumers. Tesla’s audacious goal to revolutionise transportation and energy production aligns with the urgent need for a more sustainable way of life and has inspired a global community of employees and supporters dedicated to reshaping the future of transportation and energy consumption.
Our mission is to Scale Conservation, delivering positive environmental and social impact, returning a profit as a result, not the purpose of what we do. Every member of our team is inspired by the idea that their work directly contributes to protecting and preserving our planet for future generations and we believe this is one of the most inspirational missions possible for the next generation of talented people.
Our Culture is About Environment, Impact, & Adventure
Inspiration: Patagonia
Patagonia’s corporate culture embodies environmental consciousness, integrity, justice, and a refusal to be bound by convention. They not only produce high-quality outdoor clothing and equipment but also actively promote sustainability and conservation in everything they do – even so far as telling people to boycott black Friday and not buy their products if they’re not needed. Patagonia employees are encouraged to participate in environmental activism and take paid time off to engage in grassroots efforts. This culture has not only attracted passionate employees but has also built a loyal customer base that shares their values – growing the business by delivering an incredible product in a more regenerative way.
Our culture is a unique blend of environmental consciousness, meaningful impact, and the adventure of making a difference. We provide a way to genuinely align your passions with your work in a way that makes a measurable impact on the world around you.
The culture isn’t for everyone. It’s highly dynamic, demanding, and fast-paced. The team are all hugely committed to our mission and demand that same commitment from each other, constantly pushing and supporting one another to be better. That type of high-performance environment is quite simply addictive. We are radically transparent about what we do and how we work, creating an incredible number of interactions and opportunities for collaboration – allowing us to produce work together that we could never do alone. #BetterTogether.
If you want to be comfortable, content, and average, this isn’t the place for you. However, if you are incredibly talented and you want to know how good you can be, this is the place for you to find out.
We Will Attract the Most Talented People
Inspiration: Google
Google, the tech giant known for its innovative projects and global impact, has consistently drawn in the most talented individuals across various fields. Google’s mission to “organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful” resonates with professionals who are passionate about technology and information accessibility. The company’s reputation for fostering a creative and inclusive work culture, combined with opportunities to work on ground-breaking projects like self-driving cars and artificial intelligence, has made Google a magnet for top-tier talent in the tech industry and we are committed to becoming that same magnet for the environment sector.
To make a significant impact, we need the most talented individuals. We will proactively seek out and attract top-tier talent by showcasing our mission, culture, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
We will only ever recruit people better than us in a meaningful way and are delighted to have continued to find increasingly incredible people to help us Scale Conservation. Four of our previous interns are now permanent members of the team and are thriving in a culture that challenges and supports their development in equal measure.
Prioritise Early Career Talent
Inspiration: The North Face
The North Face, a prominent player in the outdoor industry, is committed to prioritising early career talent. The company understands that fresh perspectives and a passion for the outdoors are crucial for innovation in their field. The North Face offers various programs, such as internships and entry-level positions, aimed at recruiting and developing young talent. These opportunities allow early career professionals to immerse themselves in the world of outdoor gear and apparel, work on exciting projects, and learn from seasoned experts. The North Face’s dedication to nurturing emerging talent reflects their commitment to advancing the outdoor industry and continuing their legacy of exploration and adventure – we want to have the same impact on the entire environment sector.
We recognise that fresh perspectives, energy, and a disregard for the status quo are absolutely crucial for innovation. Therefore, we will prioritise recruiting and developing early career talent, providing them with opportunities to grow within our organisation.
We have been hugely fortunate to attract an incredible senior team of national experts in their respective fields which allows us to target our future growth to Scale Conservation at early career talent.
Our work is incredibly demanding and requires absolute commitment, extensive travel, and flexibility. We also want people who are committed to lifelong professional development. We recruit for a person’s ceiling, not their floor, and care less about experience than we do potential. As a result, we prioritise early career professionals that rarely get the opportunities, access to information, and development opportunities you deserve – you will get all of that here, and more!
We Believe in Our Ability to Identify Talent and Coach
Inspiration: FC Barcelona’s La Masia Academy
FC Barcelona’s La Masia Academy is a shining example of believing in the ability to identify and coach talent to reach its full potential. The academy, renowned worldwide, has consistently demonstrated its ability to discover and nurture promising young footballers. Notable talents like Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernandez, and Andres Iniesta emerged from La Masia’s ranks, representing the pinnacle of Barcelona’s talent identification and coaching efforts. This dedication to recognising and cultivating talent has not only led to on-field success but has also solidified FC Barcelona’s reputation as a global footballing powerhouse, showcasing their belief in unlocking an individual’s full potential – we will do everything in our power to achieve that same process at Oxygen Conservation.
We love recruitment and back our ability to identify and develop the most talented people. We have an incredible Head of People with a background in performance psychology and a unique team of exceptional experts in their respective fields. This combined with a radically transparent culture offers the most talented early career professionals unparalleled access to information and development opportunities. We will also coach, mentor, and challenge everyone in a way that allows them to thrive from experiential learning, to exposure to everything we do across the business, supported by a constant commitment to find new and exciting learning materials.
This autumn we will launch our 2024 intern campaign lead by our incredibly successful interns from 2023 helping to identify the next wave of talent to join Oxygen Conservation. Hopefully, some of these people will find roles as part of the OC Team but if not, we know their experience throughout the process will help them in securing almost equally wonderful roles in the wider environment sector.
We Will Compete for Talent
Inspiration: Vivobarefoot
Vivobarefoot, the trailblazing footwear company, beckons talented young individuals with a compelling vision and unwavering values. At its core, Vivobarefoot champions sustainability, minimalism, and foot health, igniting the passion of environmentally conscious and health-focused young minds. But Vivobarefoot’s appeal transcends shoes; it’s a beacon of sustainability, practicing what it preaches by using eco-friendly materials and fostering a culture of well-being. This company stands as a symbol of transparency and ethical practices, enticing talent who desire meaningful work with a positive impact.
Vivobarefoot is a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a difference. By embracing inclusivity and a strong sense of belonging, they create an atmosphere where young talent feels valued and empowered. The brand’s global presence opens doors to projects with far-reaching impacts, offering young professionals the chance to leave their mark on a worldwide stage. Vivobarefoot doesn’t just attract talent; it nurtures it, investing in the growth of individuals who aspire to lead, innovate, and contribute to a more sustainable future. It’s a place where values align with vocation, where transparency meets trust, and where community fosters creativity. For the young and the bold who seek to shape a world of purpose, Vivobarefoot shines as a company that not only talks the talk but walks the walk, leaving an inspiring footprint for the generations to come.
We will work incredibly hard to create roles that allow the most talented people to succeed in our overall system and company culture. That extends to competing financially for the best talent. When it comes to reward, and specifically financial reward, the same does not mean fair. The most talented people can demand and deserve to be paid accordingly. We therefore believe in competing for that talent, offering well-paid internships and reward packages that people are delighted to accept. We recognise that if we truly back our ability to identify and develop incredible talent, this will be a wonderful investment.
Conclusion
As we continue this exciting journey of reshaping the future of conservation and environmental impact, we draw inspiration from visionaries like Tesla, Patagonia, Google, The North Face, FC Barcelona’s La Masia Academy, and Vivobarefoot. Just like these pioneers in their respective domains, we are committed to our mission and culture, and dedicated to attracting the most talented early career professionals, prioritising fresh perspectives, believing in our ability to identify and coach talent, and yes, willing to compete for the brightest minds.
As we gear up for our 2024 intern campaign, we invite the most talented individuals out there to join us in the adventure that is Oxygen Conservation.
If you’re looking to make a real impact and thrive in an environment that’s anything but ordinary, you’ve found your home with us!
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🌱💡🌍 #OxygenConservation #TalentRevolution