Derek Smith - Truestar Talent

Truestar Talent Team

Senior Talent Manager

Derek has a great passion for independent financial advice. Previously owning a very successful financial services recruitment company, he was a trusted partner for both HBoS and BoSIS. Derek was also a Regional Manager for Aviva and worked at Scottish Amicable. “I work with many people helping them develop their careers by becoming a mentor and listening to what they really want to achieve.”

Derek Smith – the interview

Intriguing things that you never knew about Derek, find out here.

Derek Smith’s views on IFA Acquisition.

Hear and see Derek’s views about selling your IFA business.

A snapshot of Derek Smith

How many of these things do you know about Derek?

If you had to recommend one must-visit place in the world, where would it be, and what makes it special to you?

Barbados – the people are very hardworking, helpful and welcoming

Describe your ideal weekend getaway or holiday destination?

London for the theatre and fine dining

Outside of work, what are your passions and hobbies?

At the helm of a safety boat for sailing clubs as a volunteer

What’s a skill you’ve developed in your recruitment career that you’re particularly proud of?

Really listening to people

In your opinion, what qualities make a candidate stand out in the financial services sector?

People who show good depth of research to make informed choices

How do you unwind after a challenging day of recruitment?

Go swimming

If you could describe your approach to recruitment in three words, what would they be?

Identify, analyse, present

How has the financial industry evolved since you began your career in recruitment?

A shrinking advice market with higher regulation

What inspired you to pursue a career in financial services recruitment?

Working with a group of people that I trust and admire as part of a team

Derek took a great deal of time finding out about me. What made me tick and what I wanted to achieve in life. Derek did not try and shoehorn me into any role he could but took a great deal of time throughout the whole process. This included telling me a great deal about his clients and what they were looking for too. This is not always the case and was extremely refreshing

Justin: Financial Adviser

I found Derek to be the strongest of advocates in backing my choice of career change, but with complete honesty about what this entailed. A very strong communicator with a client led attitude always came through. It was clear that Derek had my best interests in mind at all times and had the connections to make things happen. If I needed a new challenge, I would always involve Derek in my decision making

Simon: Financial Planner

Derek was tenacious, focussed, and results driven – a pleasure

Jim: Divisional Sales Manager