Introducing RightAngle
At RightAngle Global, we specialize in expert recruiting for individual projects of management consulting firms, private equity, and corporate strategists. Operating entirely in the private sector and employing a progressive approach, we aim to change the way these business problem-solvers receive access to knowledge through identifying the right experts for them and their business needs. When discussing about the essence of its company’s activity, the Director of RightAngle, Alexandr Repin, told us:
“RightAngle is an expert network that has an alternative business model. We focus on bespoke searches to help our clients gain new perspectives and insights from advisors in different markets and industries.”
With an ambitious goal of transforming the market, RightAngle does so by relying on three pillars of service excellence: Compliance, Volume, and Quality. Adhering to these ensures a smooth collaboration between us and the client, resulting in a fast and efficient delivery of required results. Alexandr puts RightAngle’s objective clearly and concisely:
“We aim to change the way expert networks market works, shifting its focus towards a transparent, effective, pay-per-use model.”
The Team Behind It All
An important success factor of RightAngle is the Team that makes it up, comprised of the Research and Client Management roles. These activities are not mutually exclusive, as they intertwine and tend to cross paths sometimes: the members brainstorm together or switch roles if needed for special projects. When it comes to the scope of their positions, the Researchers and Client Managers work on incoming briefs from clients and identify their needs in terms of experts for their business, proceeding with an extensive search for the best. This involves intense problem-solving, attention, and consideration to the set tasks and requirements. As part of their job, our colleagues here are exposed to a large variety of industries and markets, interacting with C-level executives and thought leaders on a regular basis. This is why managers and researchers from expert networks are sometimes called “the knowledge brokers”.
The Work Process
We’ve spoken with employees from both teams, in order to understand what they do better in their own words. Tatiana is a Research Associate, describing her work as:
“Conducting research on different industries and companies and identifying profiles of experts that match the requirements of client’s brief. We are also in charge of contacting the experts by phone to clarify their experience and background and evaluate if it is a good match to the client’s current project needs, and finally setting up the expert-client interaction.”
Tatiana identified the critical aspects of her work process as “conducting search for the right candidate following proper criteria and client’s requirements; ensuring the expert is a good match to the client … and conducting communication with the expert and coordinating the interaction set-up.“. On the other hand, Luminita is a Project Manager, which receives all upcoming projects from clients and coordinates a team of researches. When reflecting on her critical workflow steps, Luminita told us:
“It’s maybe to handle a lot of projects and of course researchers in the meantime, you have to pay attention to all of the latter and try to ‘ease’ their work as much as possible.”
We’ve also gotten insight from RightAngle’s Director Alexandr. This is what he told us, mentioning the challenges he currently faces during the pandemic:
“I need to make sure RightAngle survives and grows during these uncertain times for the consulting sector. Finding new clients, managing the existing ones as well as running the day-to-day operations is just a part of it. I’m trying to build a remote team in a business where we HAVE to be in one room to be productive and healthy.”
What Do the Employees Say?
Getting direct input from the team members proved to be informative, so we’ve decided to ask them a couple more questions on their work (and life) at RightAngle. Since communication with clients is key, and interactions happen everyday, we wondered whether the members had a memorable one to share with us. Valerian, a Research Associate, recalled how his first call went:
“I was very nervous. The expert was aware of this, but was extremely kind to me and finally accepted to collaborate.”
Irina, fellow Research Associate reflected on the process of calling experts:
“There are a lot of memories connected to calls from experts. The first ones were very tough, but now, taking my time and understanding / implementing a few psychological tricks, it is really a pleasure to discuss and negotiate with new people. Often, it’s very hard to settle on a realistic fee or accept a really small rate (hiding your shocked voice).”
We’ve also touched upon the challenges that working at RightAngle entails. Alina, a Business Development Analyst, mentioned a couple of difficulties, such as “industry threats, becoming a leader with few resources, and maintaining your competitive advantages”. Luminita told us that the expert network is a fast-paced type of business, calling for a quick-thinking approach and wits to stay ahead competitors at all times. When we asked Alexandr for his perspective, he told us that:
“Uncertainty is everywhere, every project is a new industry, a new field. We always learn. But perhaps being distant from each other makes it harder for me and my team. I’m proud of them for being able to excel in these conditions.”
The Perks of Being Part of the Team
Challenges are part of any position and are a great way to grow personally and professionally. That’s why we’ve spoken to the RightAngle team about what makes them motivated and proud of their job. Tatiana told us that for her, it is:
“Finding the missing puzzle piece and using wit and flexibility to find creative solutions to complex problems.”
Valerian described his moment of satisfaction with his position by stating that it’s all about…
“The possibility to get insights into various industries. Every project has a different focus and you have to rapidly get familiar with a lot of new stuff. Before coming here I didn’t imagine that there are so many industries out there.”
Likewise, Irina highlighted that a successful collaboration always brings her a rewarding feeling:
“That moment when the client and expert have had a pleasant discussion and everyone is satisfied.”
The common success of the team and good dynamics also make up a part of the contentment of working for RightAngle. Luminita told us that for her, “the satisfaction of the clients and the wellbeing of the team” matter. Alexandr described his perspective by recounting a recent team-building event:
“When we were out for drinks with our team I went outside for a minute and when I came back I took a moment and looked at our table and I didn’t see employees, I saw a group of passionate people talking, who have something in common and are happy to share it, be it an experience, a mood or a state of mind. That made me very happy for a moment, like we’re part of something bigger.”
Undoubtedly, RightAngle puts a strong emphasis on teamwork, communication, and mutual support. Together, efforts are combined and company goals are achieved effectively and in a great working atmosphere (even if it is remote for now).
What Is a Future Teammate Like?
RightAngle is an ever-developing company – that means that they are always on the lookout for new teammates to join the action. We wondered what qualities should potential colleagues have and what it takes to fit into the RightAngle culture. When asked what a good fit means to her, Luminita stated that:
“A good fit means an active, creative, engaged, and always eager to be the best at your job.”
Alina noted some essentials traits a RightAngle colleague should possess – “being responsive, supportive, initiating, and ambitious”. Likewise, Tatiana described the following important qualities: “to be flexible, open minded, creative and a good communicator”. Valerian notes the importance of being a team player and maintaining a team spirit, stating:
“You have to be very enthusiastic. There is an amazing team that will teach you the rest. You need to be consistent, insistent, reliable, responsible and withstand pressure and loss. This is a job where you can encounter failure. The result doesn’t always depend exclusively on you.”
When asked about his ideas on necessary ‘prerequisites’, Alexandr emphasized the importance of having a tough mind, amongst others:
“You must have an agile mind and a beating heart (read smart and kind). At the same time, being able to work independently is very important, especially when you have a project you’re responsible for. Last but not least, you spend a lot of time on LinkedIn, and I mean a lot! Not all people can do that, you got to be mentally strong. If there’s an army for future consultants, it would look something like this.”
Being part of RightAngle can certainly seem daunting, but the fast-paced workflow, ever-changing project contexts, strong & supportive team make it seem very tempting!
Are You Interested?
Our article is a small ride through the main processes and activities going on at RightAngle. Undoubtedly, so much more action happens on a daily basis. If reading our piece intrigues you and makes you want to be a part of the team, check out their vacancies HERE and apply! Luminita encouraged potential candidates by appealing to hard-working and thrill-loving individuals:
