Cover Celebrating its second anniversary, All-Star Agency has carved out a niche in the banking and financial services recruitment space (Photo: Zed Lee / Tatler Hong Kong)
Celebrating its second anniversary, All-Star Agency has carved out a niche in the banking and financial services recruitment space (Photo: Zed Lee / Tatler Hong Kong)
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President and founder of All-Star Agency Jack Leung discusses leadership, expansion and building a dynamic company culture, as the brand celebrates two years in the recruitment business
Bespoke recruitment company All-Star Agency is just a few years into its ambitious journey but is already forging a reputation as an organisation that celebrates milestones wholeheartedly. With its second anniversary just ticking over, the team “plans to celebrate in style”, says president and founder Jack Leung. “We want to continue our tradition of hosting an annual company retreat for some quality team bonding time, as well as celebrating this year’s achievements.”
There is a fun-loving aspect to the dynamic team at All-Star, but it’s the speed at which it has established its credentials as a serious player in the banking and financial services recruitment industry that’s making rivals sit up and take notice. “Be nimble,” says Leung, of the key to the firm’s success. “It’s important to pivot as conditions change. If there’s anything we’ve learnt from the past few years of the pandemic, it’s that it’s better to have six-month assessments rather than looking too far ahead with long-term plans. This allows us to be more agile with business strategy and helps us stay competitive.”
Above (Video: Issac Woo)
Leung is not one to dwell on the past and has few regrets over how things have panned out in the company’s first two years. But getting the hiring right has been critical. “As a start-up, we were hiring before our identity was fully established. Finding the right people was crucial. Rather than bringing in experienced people, I began hiring fresh graduates, and found their energy and ability to adapt meant that we could begin building something together,” he explains. “Young talent learns fast. This has helped to forge our own culture.”
All-Star management team from left: Juliet Lee, Raymond Cheung, Jack Leung and Stephanie Shum (Photo: Zed Lee / Tatler Hong Kong)
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As part of the learning process of launching a new business, he has realised the importance of getting buy-in from your team and bringing them along on the adventure. “To achieve success, authentic leadership is the number one factor. Don’t be afraid to be different and to push boundaries. Authenticity will never go out of style, and remains an integral yet massively underrated part of leading a successful business.”
All-Star has carved out a niche in the banking and financial services recruitment space but is not looking to rest on its laurels, with diversification into insurance and tech recruitment on the cards, as well as possible regional expansion. “We’re looking to expand our reach. Singapore and [elsewhere in] Southeast Asia are good markets for us to explore. It’s a good fit for our Hong Kong-based company,” says Leung.
Given the transient nature of geopolitical and global economic conditions, he is not making too many big predictions, but says, “With 2024 just around the corner, we’re feeling optimistic and excited as the year goes on; 2024 will be about finding the right balance in expectations between employers and candidates.”
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Photography: Zed Lee
Videography: Issac Woo
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