A thoughtful reflection from Adam Simpson
- Phil D'Adamo
- Mar 16
- 1 min read
A thoughtful reflection from Adam Simpson on the difference between recruitment in elite sport and the corporate world.
In AFL systems, recruiters invest significant time getting to know young players — not just their ability, but their family background, influences and how they respond when things get tough.
The goal isn’t simply to select the best football talent.
It’s to bring people into an environment that will help them become the best version of themselves, and contribute to the development of others in the team.
Simpson contrasts this with corporate recruitment, where hiring decisions are often made after just a few hours with a candidate, assessing job history and skills fit rather than the personal qualities that are shaped by life experience.
High-performing sporting environments recruit with development in mind from day one, with a clear focus on human growth, not just role capability.
Many organisations recruit for immediate performance and then expect long-term capability, culture and retention to improve as a result.
Recruitment processes that go deeper into who someone is, not just what they’ve done, are more likely to build environments where people and teams develop.
Through The Change Lounge, I work with executives to strengthen strategy, culture, leadership capability and performance in times of change.
