JUDE THOMPSON
MD & FOUNDER

Starting point? A fashion buyer.

CV in a sentence? Graduated from Manchester University (despite the amount of time spent in the Hacienda) and was eventually lured by the bright lights of London. Started in headhunting as a researcher, and ended up running an Entertainment Practice for a global executive search firm. Founded Indigo Talent in 2006 with the aim of creating a different kind of headhunting company.

Why headhunting? It suits my very curious personality. I love finding out stuff about people. Why did they make a particular decision? What culture would inspire them to do their best? Nothing more rewarding than watching people grow and thrive. 

Best thing you’ve watched recently?  Schitt's Creek. The writing is genius. “Daid, you look like a disgruntled Pelican”!! 

Guilty pleasure? Below Deck! I started lockdown with intentions to watch all the good stuff, then found myself lured into the debauchery of the yachting world.

‘Sliding door’ moment? I was on a surfing adventure in Costa Rica and was asked to stay on at the surf camp to be their Marketing Manager. I already had plans to launch Indigo, but I did take an extra few weeks in the waves to consider my options. I ultimately knew Indigo was what I wanted to do. Although I’d be a much better surfer had I stayed. Pura Vida.. 

If you could only ask one question in a job interview... That’s easy: what is your definition of success? This presents a huge insight into what people are motivated by and why. 

CLAUDIA DOWNES
HEAD OF SCRIPTED & FOUNDER

CV in a sentence? Graduated from the University of Life, after having driven across USA in an AMC Gremlin. Worked in advertising and PR before running a radio production company for 10 years, then set up and sold a washroom advertising business before moving into Executive Search.

Why headhunting?  I’m extremely nosey and genuinely love connecting people, finding out what makes them tick, what they’re good at - joining the dots - it’s joyful.

Best thing you’ve watched recently? The French comedy, Call My Agent is outstanding! I’m looking forward to see the Amazon/BRON studio English remake. 

Guilty pleasure? Escape to The Chateau, Straight Up and DIY shows.

‘Sliding door’ moment?  Having taken time out to write a novel (unpublished, as yet) a friend said he always thought I should be a headhunter, set me up in his Executive Search Business where I learnt the ropes, which set me on the path to meeting Jude… 

If you could only ask one question in a job interview... “Who or what inspired you to work in this industry?”

SUNRISE ISHIMWE
RESEARCH ASSOCIATE

CV in a sentence Visual storytelling is really my passion, so it was always important to me to purse it in further education. I have a MA in Film and TV and a master’s in Film. After finishing my education in 2018 I started at Axis Studios, a renowned Scottish based animation company, as an Administrative intern. In the two years I was at Axis I got to work on some amazing projects as a Production Assistant and later a Production Co-ordinator. Credits that can be disclosed include Lego City Adventures (Nickelodeon) and Tales of Runeterra (Youtube). I have since left Axis to join the formidable Indigo Talen as a Research Associate! 

Why headhunting? Headhunting is new to me but I’m so excited to get stuck in! I’m really enjoying the research process, but I love engaging with others the most. It has been a pleasure getting to know some of the industry’s top professionals, and it’ll be a privilege getting to support them as they secure new opportunities. 

What I’m watching I’m a lover of all things TV! When it comes to scripted content I watch out for diverse and female led shows. In 2020 I really enjoyed I may Destroy You, I hate Suzie, P-Valley, Little Fires Everywhere and Small Axe. Recently I’ve been loving WonderVision on Disney+. The episodes are so short but they are packed with fantastic writing, acting, direction, costumes…I could go on! Every little thing on screen has a purpose and enriches the world that’s been created. 

I enjoy a fair bit of unscripted content too! I’m a sucker for factual/entertainment shows like Love Island, Hypothetical, Come Dine with Me and League of Their Own! Most recently I’ve been loving competition shows like RuPauls Drag Race UK and Glow Up on iPlayer. Drag Race is my current favourite! It’s so full of heart and charm no wonder the nation is obsessed.

KELLY XXXXX
XXXXXXX

CV in a sentence I started working straight out of school in various admin-based roles until my mid-20s when I started a one-week temp job on reception of a big tv production company. I ended up surpassing my one-week contract and stayed for nearly 13 years, moving from reception to the facilities dept and then to freelancing on productions and eventually into talent management for the group. And did I mention that I went to Bournemouth as a mature student and got a degree in Radio in the midst of all that? 

Why headhunting? I’m a talker and I love telly, so I feel incredibly lucky that my job involves chatting to people about telly all day! But more than that, I genuinely enjoy matchmaking and helping people find the best fit for themselves and their teams. It’s an amazing feeling when you help someone get their first job in the industry or when forensic researching and relationship building leads to finding an otherwise hidden but perfect candidate for a search. 

Best thing you’ve watched recently? I try to alternate between drama and comedy in order to keep my brain upbeat! It’s a Sin had me crying and laughing in equal measure and it was brilliant to watch such an entertaining but informative series. I’m also particularly loving the BBC’s comedy output with Pls Like and Alma’s Not Normal being recent stand outs for me. Let it be known that I’m also I’m also a sucker for a dystopian future setting and will always be first in line to watch shows like Black Mirror and Inside No. 9! Oh and The Queen’s Gambit was incredible. Too much telly!

Guilty Pleasure? Selling Sunset although not sure I feel that guilty about it! I’m still deciding if I’m there for the amazing properties or the juicy relationships - it’s probably both and I’m so invested. I have also been partial to a 1am browse through the shopping channels... feel a bit more guilty about that one!