From 34 Employees to Global Expansion: The Journey of Robert Walters with Former Deputy CEO Giles Daubeney

Every great adventure has its origins, and mine began somewhere between picking beans on a farm in Australia and spending my last few bucks on a tailored suit in Bali. It was a gamble, but that suit helped me land a job with Robert Walters in Perth, Australia—a move that would set me on a path I never could have predicted.

I still remember the moment vividly when I first realized the scale and ambition of Robert Walters. We were gathered in the boardroom, and they played a video from Giles Daubeney and Robert Walters himself. It felt like watching a BBC documentary, and I knew then that I was part of something much bigger than I’d ever imagined.

Fast forward to today, and I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with @GilesDaubeney, the former Deputy CEO of @RobertWalters, to delve into the story of how the company grew from a modest 34 employees to a global juggernaut in the recruitment industry. Giles, now one of the non-executive directors partnering with the RecWired community, continues to help founders become excellent in their own journeys.

The Early Days: A Strong Foundation

In the beginning, Robert Walters was just a small recruitment firm with big dreams. Giles shared stories of those early days—how they navigated the choppy waters of a competitive market with limited resources but unlimited ambition. The company's success was built on the foundation of strong client relationships and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

These weren’t just words on a company brochure; they were the guiding principles that shaped the company’s culture and values, principles that would later drive its expansion across the globe.

Strategic Growth: From Perth to the World

The leap from a local firm to a global player wasn’t accidental. It was the result of deliberate, strategic decisions. Giles spoke about the company’s bold move into the Asia-Pacific market—a decision that not only opened new doors but also set the stage for Robert Walters to become a leader in the global recruitment industry.

From Asia-Pacific to Europe, the Americas, and beyond, each expansion was meticulously planned and executed. It was like a game of chess, with every move calculated to ensure long-term success. And it paid off.

For recruitment founders, there’s a wealth of insight in these strategies. Whether you’re thinking about expanding into new markets or scaling your current operations, the lessons from Robert Walters’ growth are invaluable. Understanding how to adapt leadership as your team grows, and ensuring that your company culture remains intact across different regions, are crucial elements of successful expansion.

Challenges and Triumphs

But let’s not romanticize it—expansion isn’t all sunshine and roses. Giles was candid about the challenges they faced, from maintaining a cohesive company culture across different regions to ensuring consistent service delivery in an increasingly complex market.

One of the key takeaways from our conversation was the importance of strong leadership and a clear vision. Without it, even the best-laid plans can fall apart. Giles also highlighted the role of innovation and technology in supporting the company’s growth, particularly in streamlining operations and enhancing client service.

For founders, these insights are critical. As your recruitment business grows, the need for clear communication, strong leadership, and adaptability becomes more pronounced. Giles’s experience shows that the right balance of human leadership and technological innovation can drive significant growth.

Looking to the Future

As Robert Walters continues to grow, Giles remains optimistic about the future of recruitment. Technology, he believes, will continue to shape the industry, but the human element—the ability to build relationships, understand client needs, and deliver real value—will always be at the heart of successful recruitment.

Sitting down with Giles, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own journey. From that boardroom in Perth to this conversation, it’s been one hell of a ride. The story of Robert Walters, as told by Giles Daubeney, is not just a tale of corporate growth—it’s a masterclass in how to scale a business in a way that’s both sustainable and impactful.

Giles, along with other industry legends, will also be part of our Founder round tables in the RecWired community, helping new leaders navigate the complexities of scaling their businesses. If you’re a founder and want to gain free access to these invaluable sessions, apply through this form: Invite Industry Peers.

For those of you looking to dive deeper into the journey of Robert Walters and gain insights directly from Giles Daubeney, I highly recommend checking out the two-part interview:

• Part 1: From 34 Employees to Global Expansion

• Part 2: From 34 Employees to Global Expansion

Whether you’re in recruitment or any other industry, the lessons from this journey are universal—dream big, plan meticulously, and never stop innovating.

This article is designed to resonate with recruitment founders by emphasizing the practical strategies and leadership insights shared by Giles Daubeney. It also encourages founders to join the RecWired community for direct access to industry legends and invaluable learning experiences.

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