Kioni Talent

Hiring great people is only half the battle. The real magic happens when you define success, trust their expertise, and give them the space to deliver. Too often, I’ve spoken with companies struggling to find the right person for a critical role—not because the talent isn’t out there, but because the process itself is flawed. Two critical elements separate successful hiring campaigns from time-consuming exercises: 1) Define success before you start searching - Identify the problems this role will solve. - Clarify the metrics that define success. - Be specific about what "exceptional" looks like. 2) Design an intentional assessment process - Interviews should assess real-world capabilities, not just interview skills. - Build stages that test the challenges the hire will face. - Evaluate cultural alignment as rigorously as technical expertise. When these elements are missing, hiring becomes a gamble. But when they’re in place? You hire people who transform your business. Here’s something I’ve learned from working with dozens of scaling teams: The best hiring processes strike a balance between thoroughness and respect for the candidate’s time. They challenge candidates in meaningful ways while showcasing the company’s values. So, my question to you is: // Are your current hiring processes attracting (and retaining) the experts you need? // Or are they unintentionally filtering out great talent? If you’re scaling your technology team and want a hiring strategy that attracts and retains top talent, let’s chat. I’ve helped dozens of companies build teams that deliver real impact—how can I help yours? #Recruitment #Hiring #TalentAcquisition #Leadership #Technology Kioni Talent

“I’ll be rubbish at it.” “I can’t afford it.” “I don’t have time.” Sound familiar? It’s the inner voice we all have, the one that convinces us not to start. But here’s the truth I've learned from years of working with founders and top tech talent. 1) Everyone Starts Somewhere! - No one is born an expert - That principal developer? Started with "Hello World" - The entrepreneur you admire? Once had zero customers - Your role model? They were once exactly where you are now 2) Not Everything Costs Money - Free online courses - YouTube tutorials - Open-source projects - Finding a mentor 3) Embracing the Beginner's Mindset - Accept that you'll look awkward at first - Understand that every expert was once a beginner - The only real failure is never starting The most successful people I know didn't have all the answers. They had curiosity, persistence, and the courage to look stupid while learning. Set a goal. Accept you'll struggle at first. And then get started. The only way to get better is to begin 💪🏿 #PersonalGrowth #Motivation #CareerDevelopment #Leadership #Hiring Kioni Talent

Loyalty Is Earned, Not Bought. You can't demand it, put it in a contract, or buy it. Yet, when it’s there, it’s priceless. So what drives people to stay loyal to their companies? Spoiler alert: it's not just about salaries or perks. Loyalty grows when people feel they’re part of something meaningful, led by people they trust, and surrounded by teammates they admire. It’s about knowing that their efforts matter and their growth is valued. Here’s what truly inspires loyalty: 1. Honest leadership People follow leaders they trust. Transparency, integrity, and consistency build bonds that no salary ever could. 2. Opportunities to grow Stagnation kills loyalty. Provide chances to learn, stretch, and evolve, and watch people give their best. 3. A shared mission When employees feel their work has purpose and impact, they go the extra mile—not because they have to, but because they want to. 4. Great people Team dynamics matter. Being surrounded by talented, driven, and supportive colleagues creates an environment no one wants to leave. You can’t buy loyalty. But build the right environment, and it will flourish. Companies don't retain talent. Leaders do. #Leadership #CompanyCulture #Hiring #Recruitment #EmployeeEngagement Kioni Talent

Success Starts with the Basics Last week was chaotic, to say the least. Amongst it all, I was reminded of two things that should never be forgotten: 1) Getting the basics right. 2) Building a network of people who’ll advocate for you when you’re not in the room. In the rush to chase the next big opportunity or grind towards a goal, it's easy to overlook the simple stuff. ✔ Doing what you say you’ll do. ✔ Being reliable, consistent, and kind. ✔ Adding value without expecting anything in return. The truth is, amidst the chaos, don't lose sight of the fundamentals. Show up, deliver, and support others. When you do, not only will you thrive, you’ll also inspire others to advocate for you when it matters most. Here's to showing up, standing out, and lifting each other up. Have an incredible week ahead! 👊🏿 #Leadership #Networking #Hiring #Careers #LifeLessons Kioni Talent

Never mind the job spec 📄 Forget everything you think you know about getting hired by Facebook or Amazon in their early days. The game has changed, and most people are playing by outdated rules. Having recently spoken with founders and hiring managers across some of the UK and US's most innovative startups, I’ve noticed key patterns in what they value most in their first hires. Here's what truly sets candidates apart: 1) You're not just an employee, you're a problem solver! - Forget rigid job descriptions - Embrace roles that expand beyond your initial brief - Show you can own challenges from start to finish - Demonstrate the ability to step up when things get messy 2) Ambiguity is your superpower! - Can you make decisions with incomplete information? - Thrive in environments without perfect roadmaps? - Pivot quickly when strategies shift? - This is what separates good hires from exceptional ones 3) Perfection is the enemy of progress! - Show you can ship work that's 'good enough' - Demonstrate the ability to iterate and improve - Prove you're not paralysed in the pursuit of perfection - Highlight moments where you've made meaningful progress despite imperfect conditions Joining an early stage startup isn't about being another cog in the machine. They want adaptable, mission-driven individuals who can turn uncertainty into opportunity. Honestly, your ability to navigate chaos might just be more valuable than some fancy awards. The real magic happens where a company's bold vision intersects with an individual's burning purpose. #Startup #Hiring #Careers #TechTalent #Recruitment Kioni Talent

Two weeks ago, I became a dad 💖 It didn’t matter how many books I’d read, podcasts I’d listened to, or how many people had warned me about sleepless nights. Nothing could prepare me for the moment I held my little girl for the first time 💕 The tears (and there were lots!), the overwhelming sense of love, and a profound new sense of purpose. It’s a feeling unlike any other. After two weeks of bonding, endless nappy changes, and mastering the art of doing everything one-handed, I’m back online, energised and ready to close out the year on a high. Here’s what you can expect from me in the coming weeks: 💫 A realistic take on balancing business, family, and health 💫 Advice for levelling up your job search 💫 Tips for teams to attract and retain top talent 💫 Exciting new roles and partnerships Becoming a dad has already taught me so much about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of community. These values will guide every interaction, post, and conversation moving forward. Stay tuned 👀 we’ve got an exciting journey ahead 💪🏿 #PaternityLeave #Hiring #Careers #Leadership #Technology Kioni Talent

You only get one shot, don’t miss your chance to blow 🎤 If you think an interview is just about answering questions, you’re missing a huge opportunity. I’ve sat across from thousands of talented technologists and seen it firsthand, the best interviews are conversations, not interrogations. Why? Because interviews go both ways. Asking the right questions shows your readiness, your curiosity, and your genuine interest. It’s your chance to dig deeper than any job description can take you, to discover if a company truly aligns with your goals and values. Here’s what impactful questions show: 1) You care about your growth! - Ask about the company's vision for your role. “How will success in this role be measured?” - Inquire about learning opportunities and growth paths. “What kind of support is available for professional development?” 2) You think beyond the job description! - Show you’re eager to make an impact. “What key challenges is the team currently facing, and how can I contribute?” - Display a genuine interest in the company’s direction. “Where do you see the company in the next few years, and how does this role contribute to that vision?” 3) You value the team and company culture! - Culture fit is a two-way street. "What do you enjoy most about working here?" - Get a feel for how teams work together. “How does the team approach collaboration and feedback?” Honestly, asking insightful questions is as much about them as it is about you. It shows that you’re not just looking for any role; you’re looking for the right one. Interviewers remember those who truly engage 💥 #CareerTips #JobSearch #InterviewTips #Hiring #CareerGrowth Kioni Talent

This feels uncomfortable to share 😅 Yesterday I got asked what my long-term plan is. It stopped me dead in my tracks. For me, it's simple - it's about giving back. In the long run, I want to build a team that has the opportunity to learn, earn, and thrive together. But there's a bigger picture. As Kioni Talent helps to scale technology teams, I want to support others in tech by partnering with academies, schools, and organizations. Sponsoring events, providing funding, and creating opportunities to uplift new talent. That's where each baby step is taking Kioni. Success means nothing if we don't uplift others. 💙 #Business #Recruitment #Technology #Leadership #Hiring

Read through Kyle's discussion on the rise of DevSecOps in the article below 🚀Thanks for the feature Codecademy!

I'm sorry to break it to you 😞 A GitHub link may have been enough to secure an interview a few years ago but times have changed. CVs are being closely reviewed, and companies are demanding quality over quantity. It's time to delete Office 2003, and trim down the exhaustive list of every technology you've ever come across. Having recently connected with 100+ exceptional software engineers during a search for a leading European startup, I've noticed a clear pattern in what makes CVs stand out: 1) Impact matters more than ever! - Don't just list what you used - show how you shaped products - Highlight the "before and after" of your contributions - Quantify your achievements wherever possible 2) Showcase your achievements! - Led the migration that cut infrastructure costs by 40%? - Built and launched that critical feature used by millions? - Mentored junior developers into senior roles? - These are the stories that matter. 3) Personal achievements matter! - That side project you launched? Include it - Teaching yourself Mandarin? That shows dedication - Your top 1% ranking in competitive programming? Absolutely relevant The tech market is currently more competitive than we've seen in recent years. Don't let a poorly structured CV be the reason you miss out on your dream role. 💡 Need a template designed specifically to highlight these elements? Drop a comment or DM me - I can share a free CV template that's helping engineers showcase their true value. #SoftwareEngineering #Careers #Hiring #CVTips #Recruitment Kioni Talent