HEIDI RUSTIN
Mary Saxon
How Did You get into search:
Before I considered a career in recruiting, the opportunity was presented to me multiple times. In my first-ever interview with a recruiter, she said to me “you should do this.” This became a pattern over the multiple interactions I had with recruiters. Perhaps they saw something in me that I didn’t know was there, but instead I pursued a satisfying career in publishing.
In the year 2000, as the publishing industry was changing in the face of the digital revolution, I was recruited out of Conde Nast to join a dot-com. I found myself as focused on the process as the opportunity—my sister is a recruiter and I’d come to seriously consider it as a next career. After nine months at our start-up, as the bubble burst, our investors shuttered the business (days before we were to launch!) So I called the firm that had recruited me to talk about “next”; they hired me and taught me the business.
Would You Do It Again?
Definitely. No two days are alike. You meet really smart, successful and inspiring people every day… you learn about so many business models, leadership styles, and products. I guess it satisfies my intellectual curiosity, as well as my problem solving skills (I love puzzles!) And, it stretches my EQ/IQ capabilities. Perhaps most importantly it provides a chance to really make an impact—our work can have a profound effect on people’s lives and business results. This is particularly satisfying.
Where Were You Before Founding Your Own Biz?
My first career, in publishing, began with 13 years at Art & Auction magazine where I rose to the Associate Publisher level. We were a “collectors’ bible” and I followed the art world closely. It was glamorous! We traveled wherever the art world flourished, often for art and antique fairs. It was through this experience, along with my art history and design training, that I honed my interest in consumer behavior and luxury and fashion.
My last publishing role was at House & Garden, which I loved. Then on to the dot-com and then my first search role, as mentioned above. After two years in search, I joined Herbert Mines Associates, where I would spend a wonderful decade. It was at HMA that I met Mary Saxon, with whom I always partnered particularly well. When Mary left HMA to join Heidrick & Struggles, we remained in close contact, and when she became the Global Retail Practice Leader I decided to make the move to Heidrick. There were wonderful learnings in both the boutique and large global search firms in which I was fortunate to work; both inform my approach in establishing Bryant Park Search Partners.
What Five things Should We know About You?
I love fashion but I am not a “fashionista.” To me, fashion is an extension of my love of art history and it is a window into popular culture.
I may be getting older but I still have rock n roll in my heart—I frequently attend concerts with my husband and our millennial daughters (amazing they will go with us!)
I love to travel—really just about anywhere. I love luxury, but I also camp (!) When I was in my early twenties I travelled with a backpack alone through Tahiti, Australia and New Zealand for four months.
I get my joy from the people around me. My friends and family, along with my work, are like oxygen for me.
I have always been a working mom. I believe you really can have it all as long as you know your priorities. My daughters are my best work!