Bridging Diversity and Executive Search: A Personal Journey

This week I'm thrilled to introduce our guest, James Carss. James is the founder and chief executive of Castle Peak Group, which he established in 2024. He saw a significant gap in the market in the northeast for a true executive search firm grounded in diversity and inclusion, not as token gestures, but as core values.

Early Experiences Shaping a Vision

James's passion for diversity and inclusion stems from his varied background and personal experiences. Growing up in the relatively homogeneous northeast of England, James encountered a pivotal, traumatic event at a young age that profoundly impacted his worldview. He shared a harrowing incident from his youth when he and his friend of Indian descent were violently attacked by skinheads, followed by witnessing an adult spitting on his friend. These experiences sparked a lifelong commitment to fighting against such discrimination.

Such early life experiences coupled with his global exposure living in London, Hong Kong, and Canada, enriched his understanding and solidified his commitment to diversity. Returning to the UK, he noticed a disparity between the diverse community demographics and the homogeneous nature of executive teams and boardrooms, particularly in the northeast.

Driving Change in Executive Recruitment

Establishing Castle Peak Group, James aimed to bridge this gap, focusing on the true benefits of diversity. He emphasizes that diversity is not just a matter of fairness but a critical driver of innovation and success in any organisation. James articulates that diverse teams bring a wealth of perspectives, enhancing creativity and problem-solving capabilities.

In his recruitment practice, James prioritises partnering with organisations genuinely committed to change. He insists on engaging directly with top executives to ensure that the drive for diversity comes from the highest levels. According to James, diversity must be ingrained in the DNA of an organisation, not relegated to a box-ticking exercise managed by HR.

Overcoming Challenges and Misconceptions

A common issue James encounters is organisations seeking to hire diverse candidates without understanding the intrinsic value of diversity. He emphasises the need for companies to grasp why they want to diversify and how it aligns with their long-term goals. This understanding ensures that the recruitment of diverse candidates is meaningful and impactful rather than superficial.

James also highlights the importance of recognising unconscious bias in the recruitment process. By educating clients on designing unbiased interview processes and evaluating candidates based on potential and alignment with the company’s values rather than a rigid checklist, he helps organisations find truly great candidates.

The Importance of Honesty and Support

For diversity initiatives to succeed, James insists on honesty from organisations about their current state and their commitment to change. He stresses that new hires, particularly those from diverse backgrounds, must feel supported from the outset. When organisations falsely present themselves as inclusive, it can lead to disillusionment and attrition among new hires, ultimately setting back the organisation’s diversity efforts.

A Call to Action

James’s journey and insights underscore the critical importance of intentional, value-driven diversity and inclusion efforts. Organisations must move beyond lip service and genuinely integrate diversity into their core values and practices. For James, the ultimate goal is not just to place diverse candidates but to foster environments where they can thrive and drive organisational success.

James Carss’ story is a powerful reminder of the importance of authenticity and commitment in driving diversity and inclusion. His approach with Castle Peak Group exemplifies how executive search can be a transformative force, not just filling roles but reshaping organisational cultures. Thank you, James, for sharing your insights and inspiring us to strive for true inclusion in all facets of our work and lives.