Ever wondered what it’s like to sneak backstage at a Rolling Stones concert and bump into Keith Richards himself? Our guest, Gene Rice, takes us on a wild ride with his unforgettable tale of doing just that in Atlantic City, NJ. We share our own rock and roll stories, reminiscing about encounters with legends like Paul and Linda McCartney and how our concert preferences have evolved from raucous stadium shows to more intimate gigs.
From humble beginnings as a franchise with Management Recruiters International to the rise of Rice Cohen International, Gene unveils the innovative strategies and bold decisions that propelled their success in the world of executive search. Learn how specialized recruitment teams and an unwavering commitment to company culture enabled them to conquer high-stakes C-level searches. Hear about the challenges faced, the strategic pivots made, and the importance of retaining top talent in becoming a leading firm.
We wrap up with a deep dive into the heart of what makes a company truly exceptional: its culture. Gene shares insights on thoughtful hiring, the power of mentorship, and the magic of team-building activities that create a sense of community and belonging. Discover how initiatives like the Helping Hands program and profit-sharing plans drive employee satisfaction and retention. Finally, we explore Gene’s vision of giving back post-retirement, offering valuable life lessons on enjoying the journey and making a difference.
About Gene Rice:
Gene Rice cofounded Rice Cohen International in 1989 and the firm grew to be one of the 30 largest executive retained search firms in America. He was also recognized by recruited.com as one of the hundred most influential people in the history of recruiting. In 2008, Gene and his wife cofounded The Plant a Seed Inspire a Dream Foundation, which helps youth from the underserve community pursue their passions. The charity has helped over 800 kids and was featured and People Magazine. Gene with his daughter cowrote the Amazon bestseller, “Grad to Grown-Up.” Gene believes in giving back at every opportunity.
gradtogrownup.com
plantaseedfoundation.org
linkedin.com/in/grice113
instagram.com/gradtogrownupbook
facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071156958203
This episode is brought to you by The Plant a Seed Inspire a Dream Foundation; Empower a Child’s Passion.