Old Friends, Honest Stories & 50 Conversations: David and Stuart's View on Hearts & Mines

In this special mini episode of Hearts & Mines, the tables are turned as David is interviewed by his longtime friend and colleague Stuart Chandler, Senior Client Partner at ivy & gecko. Having worked together for more than 20 years across executive search, the pair reflect on why David and Alana Bray-White, ivy & gecko’s Managing Director, started the podcast, why vulnerability sits at the heart of every conversation, and what sets Hearts & Mines apart from more technical mining podcasts.

David then turns the questions back on Stuart, exploring what makes a candidate truly memorable, why strong executives can struggle when a company's growth phase doesn't match their experience, the people who have shaped his career, and the lessons from Patrick Lencioni's Getting Naked. The conversation also looks ahead to ivy & gecko's future as a boutique firm, the upcoming magazine celebrating 50 Hearts & Mines conversations, and Stuart's plans to launch a podcast of his own.

A warm and genuine conversation between two old friends who clearly enjoy working together.

David Beilby 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbeilby/

Alana Bray-White 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-bray-white-8b4478219/

ivy & gecko 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/ivy-gecko

Timecodes:

(00:00) Why David Started Hearts & Mines

(02:05) Vulnerability and Leadership Stories

(03:20) Stuart's Path Into Executive Search

(04:30) What Drew Stuart to ivy & gecko

(05:55) What Makes a Candidate Memorable