Kim First, President and CEO of The Agency Worldwide, is a highly respected figure in the executive search industry, known for her strategic acumen and exceptional ability to connect renowned leaders and innovators. With a strong background in psychology and a keen understanding of industry trends, Kim has made significant contributions to the biopharmaceutical and food & agriculture sectors.
Her expertise lies in building successful teams, analyzing market forces, and providing unique candidate assessment and recruitment methodologies. Through her extensive collaborations with top executives and researchers, Kim has gained in-depth knowledge of the challenges and opportunities faced by organizations in these sectors. Her commitment to addressing the demands of an ever-expanding global and aging population has cemented The Agency Worldwide's reputation as a go-to firm for building high-achieving, and successful Life Science teams.
A Passion for Connecting People
After graduating with honors from UCLA in Psychology, Kim embarked on a career in marketing for entertainment companies. Working at Sony and Disney, she honed her skills in negotiation, marketing, and corporate communication. During this time, Kim's talent for connecting people began to emerge. Her knack for bringing individuals together, which even led to successful marriages, caught the attention of a friend who saw her potential in the search industry.
Joining The Agency Worldwide, Kim quickly found her footing and excelled in biotech. Motivated by her desire to make a difference in the world, she expanded the company's focus to include the medical device & technology, food and agricultural, and bio-industrial sectors. Kim is deeply passionate about working with organizations that tackle long-term challenges related to human and animal health, food security, and global sustainability. For her, it is immensely gratifying to contribute to initiatives that positively impact the planet.
Driving Innovation Through Talent Acquisition
Since its establishment in 1986, The Agency Worldwide has been driven by a vision to connect exceptional talent with organizations dedicated to making a positive impact on the world. Through their exclusive and longstanding strategic partnerships, they gain deep insights into the driving factors behind their clients' success. With a comprehensive process that targets the top 5% of global talent in the passive market, their culturally diverse and international team is renowned for their track record of success.
As a leading independent firm specializing in identifying leaders and building teams, The Agency Worldwide is sought after by innovators in the life-science industry, spanning human, animal, and agricultural sectors. Their ultimate focus lies in creating impactful and sustainable teams rather than simply making initial placements.
Forging Pathways to Success
At The Agency Worldwide , Kim has built a dynamic, matrix-like team that operates with a unique partner-centric culture. With three specialized groups working together - Science & Diversity, Project Management & Sourcing, and Recruitment & Talent Assessment - the team leverages their diverse backgrounds and expertise to identify and attract top talent. This collaborative approach ensures that the right candidates are matched with the right organizations, resulting in successful placements.
One of the keys to the company's success lies in their genuine and sincere candidate assessment and recruitment methodologies. Kim and her team believe in consulting with candidates and clients to discover mutual compatibility, rather than "selling" positions. This approach fosters strong relationships and ensures that both parties find a match that aligns with their goals and values.
When recruiting for Fortune 500 companies and start-ups, Kim looks for a combination of qualities and skills that differentiate top talent. In addition to a proven track record, she seeks individuals who possess leadership qualities such as subject matter mastery, purposefulness, vision, influence, humility, adaptability, and strong communication and decision-making skills. Cultural fit with the client's organization is also a crucial factor in the selection process.
Guidance for Professionals in Life Sciences
For professionals interested in the biopharmaceutical and food & agriculture sectors, Kim emphasizes the importance of long-term commitment, extensive training, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic team environment. In Kim's own words, she states, "It's important to recognize that work in these fields requires long-term commitment, extensive training, grit, and appreciation for the team environment. For example, developing a single drug to help patients can take decades, many failures, restarts, and redirection. Perseverance and an ability to work well in ever-changing environments are important qualities."
Kim also emphasizes the diverse range of opportunities within these sectors, from research and development to manufacturing, business development, and regulatory affairs. She advises professionals to tap into their passion and strengths, aligning them with the specific avenues that resonate with their interests and abilities. Additionally, she underscores the significance of higher-level degrees in these fields, as they provide a solid foundation and open doors to advanced career opportunities.
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