Hunt Bartram, Senior Associate

Q&A with Hunt

1. Tell us about your career path here. How did you find yourself at Acertitude and why did you join the firm?

After spending nearly six years in the expert network space and achieving significant success at Guidepoint with a fantastic team, I felt a growing desire to seek out my next challenge. Despite my father's career in search, executive search was not initially on my radar as I began contemplating a career move.

This changed when I encountered Acertitude. I had the opportunity to interview with Ben, Max, Heather, and Eric, and was immediately impressed by each of them. The mission and the culture of the firm resonated with me, and I instantly bought into what they were building.

The atmosphere at Acertitude felt like a group of high performers on a rocket ship ready to take off, and I wanted to be part of that journey. After conducting additional research and recognizing the parallels between Acertitude's work and my own experience, it became clear that joining the firm was a natural next step for me.

2. Describe a day in your life. Favorite parts of your job?

Each day begins with a clear set of goals and objectives. The first thing I do is write them down and quickly map out how I plan to tackle the day's tasks. This initial step helps me stay focused and organized.

I start by working through my inbox and inbound messages, which often leads to adding more items to my to-do list. I then dive into the assignments related to the searches I'm handling, ensuring that I address all aspects for which I am responsible. Before I know it, I find myself on the phone with candidates, engaging in meaningful conversations about their experiences and qualifications.

As the day progresses, I continue to work through my to-do list, tackling research, participating in internal meetings, and having further discussions with candidates, including live and virtual back-and-forths about the searches I am managing. Throughout the day, I make sure that everything is meticulously organized from an administrative standpoint, so nothing falls through the cracks.

My favorite part of the job is making connections with interesting people. There aren't many roles where you can speak with industry leaders, learn about their accomplishments and businesses, and get to know them as individuals. With every conversation and new insight, it sometimes feels like I'm building relationships while gaining a mini-MBA at the same time. This blend of learning and connecting makes the work incredibly rewarding.

3. What is special about working here?

The people. Everyone here pushes each other to be better. Acertitude is the epitome of a high-performance culture.

4. How has Acertitude helped you grow and perform at your best?

The firm has helped me become more process oriented. Everyone has their own recipe for success, and Acertitude has shown me the importance of having a buttoned-up process, as well as making sure you are disciplined and hold yourself accountable.

5. In what ways - big or small - do you live out our mission of unleashing human potential?

Just as my colleagues challenge me to step outside my comfort zone, I've adopted this mindset beyond the office as well. I strongly believe in surrounding myself with individuals who push me to be my best, and I strive to be that supportive figure for those who matter most to me in my life.

6. What advice do you have for people looking to join Acertitude? What qualities do people need to be successful here?

Be prepared to act swiftly and embrace challenges, as the dynamic nature of our job and the clients we serve means that things can change rapidly and are constantly evolving. This role requires tenacity, motivation, and meticulous attention to detail to navigate the fast-paced environment effectively.

Hunt at a glance...