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Business Spotlight: Goodson Thomas

21 Jan, 2025

Goodson Thomas, a leading executive search and corporate insight business based in Wales, excels at connecting talent with transformative opportunities. They operate across diverse sectors, partnering with organisations in Wales and reaching UK, and international markets to deliver tailored solutions and connect them with the perfect candidates to drive their success.

We caught up with Catrin Taylor, Director at Goodson Thomas to chat about the important work that Goodson Thomas provides as an experienced executive firm…

Tell us a little bit about Goodson Thomas…

Goodson Thomas is a bilingual executive search company based in Wales, that was established 10 years ago by Sian Goodson, an experienced professional in the world of executive search. Sian wanted to support organisations in Wales who were looking to address gender imbalance within their senior leadership teams. While strides have been made, promoting diversity and inclusion remains central to our company’s mission.

We are dedicated to building candidate pools that reflect the diverse communities of Wales, ensuring equal opportunities and identifying exceptional talent to drive organisational success. Since starting in 2015 with just two people, our team has now grown to eight, working collaboratively to deliver quality and relevance in every search.

Our clients operate across a wide range of industries within the public, private, and third sectors. We work primarily in Wales but also assist international organisations with operations in Wales. To date, we’ve completed nearly 280 appointments with a 99.6% success rate, which is something we are very proud of.

What services does Goodson Thomas provide?

We specialise in senior-level appointments, including director roles, heads of departments, chair positions, and non-executive board roles. We begin by building a deep understanding of our clients' organisations, strategic goals, and unique cultures. This allows us to act as true partners, authentically representing them in the market.

Our process is highly research-driven so we really look at the needs and culture of the business. While we have an established network of high-calibre candidates, we start every search from the ground up to ensure we identify the best possible fit for both client and candidate. Throughout the process, we share valuable market insights with our clients, which can sometimes refine the brief as we uncover new perspectives. It’s very important to us that we find the best person for the job and this collaborative and flexible approach ensures that we consistently deliver great results.

Is there a gap in the market for executive search businesses in Wales and where does Goodson Thomas fit in?

There’s a clear need for executive search businesses in Wales, and we’re proud to lead the way. Our deep understanding of the Welsh business landscape and jobs market is one of our key differentiators. We’re not just a supplier, we’re a strategic partner that helps organisations find the best talent, whether locally or globally.

We have also recently launched Penodi, the newest arm of our business to address the growing demand for Welsh language skills in the workplace. Something we are personally very passionate about!

Tell us more about Penodi. Why did you create it, and how does it differ from Goodson Thomas?

Penodi is a new division dedicated to recruiting Welsh-speaking talent focused on roles up to head of department level where Welsh language proficiency is either essential or desirable.

This service is designed to help organisations, including those bound by Welsh Language Standards, build bilingual workforces. It also supports private sector clients who have embraced bilingualism as part of their ethos. By sourcing high-quality candidates and offering opportunities for individuals to enhance their language skills, Penodi addresses the growing demand for Welsh-speaking talent.

The launch is part of a broader celebration of Goodson Thomas’ 10 years in business, which includes initiatives like a partnership with the National Dance Company Wales to support leadership, creativity, and talent development across Wales.

What are your plans for the future?

We’re excited to see Penodi grow and make a positive impact across Wales. For Goodson Thomas, our focus remains on delivering high-quality services across all regions of Wales, including areas like Northwest Wales, where job promotion is vital.

As a small yet impactful business, we’re flexible enough to adapt to market needs. Penodi, for example, was born out of feedback from clients who were facing challenges in finding Welsh-speaking candidates. This ability to respond quickly to evolving demands allows us to provide effective solutions and continue to evolve in ways that best support our clients.

Why did you join Global Welsh, and how can we support your journey?

 We’re excited to be part of GlobalWelsh. GlobalWelsh Connect is an excellent platform for us to connect with businesses, candidates, and professionals in Wales and around the world. 

We know a lot of Welsh people leave Wales and are looking for opportunities to return or work for Welsh companies so, for us, GlobalWelsh presents a valuable opportunity to learn from the experiences of other members while expanding our reach to attract talent beyond Wales. 

We’re looking forward to strengthening our involvement with GlobalWelsh, as it will allow us to better serve our clients and contribute to the thriving Welsh business community.

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