Intrinsic Talent exists to prove what human-centred hiring really looks like, and why it’s needed in the technology landscape.
Our aim is to help teams stay grounded in what matters most: the people. Empathy isn't a soft skill; it's a strategic advantage. It's how teams grow stronger, collaborate better and perform for the long term.Human-centred hiring is in our DNA. Every process, partnership and community we build is designed to create alignment, belonging and trust.
I’ve spent 15 years in recruitment, but I’ve never quite felt like a typical recruiter. For a long time, I saw that as a flaw. I was once told I was “too nice” for this industry. At the time, I believed them. But over the years, I’ve come to realise that what made me feel like I didn’t fit in was actually my strength: a deep care for people, and a desire to do things differently.
Intrinsic Talent was born out of that realisation. It’s my way of bringing the most fulfilling parts of my life – connection, support, community – into my work. Yes, I help people find jobs, but it’s never just about placements. It’s about truly seeing people, understanding their stories, and supporting them through meaningful transitions – especially when those transitions are hard.
I’ve worked with people at their most uncertain moments – redundancies, restructures, and new beginnings. It’s in those times that I’ve seen what good recruitment can really look like. When you show up with empathy (not sympathy), listen without agenda, and build trust, the impact goes far beyond filling a role. That’s the kind of work I want Intrinsic to be known for.
Outside of work, I’m a husband, and dad to two brilliant little girls who remind me daily of what matters most. I also lead Icebreakers Bristol, a men’s mental health community where we connect through cold water dips, breathwork, movement, and honest conversation. It’s raw, real, and life-changing and it keeps me grounded in what community and personal growth really mean.
You’ll usually find me near a river, in a field, or with people I love. Nature gives me energy, and connection gives me purpose. Intrinsic Talent is where those two things meet: a recruitment company rooted in empathy, integrity, and the belief that work should serve our whole lives – not the other way around.
When I interviewed for my first recruitment job almost 11 years ago, I was asked what I knew about the outside perception of recruiters. My naïve answer went something like… “people must really like recruiters because they help them get jobs”.
In reality, recruiters are often a point of contention. They are seen as pushy, lacking in empathy, money-driven, untrustworthy and lazy.
There have been many occasions where I’ve been asked what I do for a living and I’ve felt sheepish or embarrassed to answer, not wanting to be misunderstood. I’ve tried to hide it under the guise of talent acquisition or HR which are often looked upon more favourably.
But as time has gone on, I’ve become incredibly proud of my career and I really value the work I do. I’ve been lucky to receive feedback that I’m empathetic, hard-working, patient, and trust-worthy – qualities I try to bring to every interaction. These aren’t always the traits people associate with recruiters, but they’re the ones I aim to embody.
Ultimately, helping people secure new roles is part of what I do, but for me, some of the most meaningful moments come from supporting people in other ways. Whether it’s being a sounding board during a tough transition, offering guidance through redundancy or simply cheering someone on after a great interview – those are the connections that stick with me.
All those years ago, recruitment was meant to be a short term job whilst I figured out what I “really wanted to do”, but co-founding Intrinsic has allowed me to channel my passion for people into something purposeful. It’s about more than filling jobs – it’s about building genuine, long lasting relationships.
Outside of Intrinsic, I spend most of my time with my wonderful little family made up of my Husband, new baby boy & Golden Retriever, Beesly. I also enjoy baking delicious cakes, and finding new coffee spots – especially if they make a good flat white.
Although technically not a human, Beesly is a big part of the Intrinsic story. He has been by Lily’s side for the last 4.5 years both at home and in the office.
He’s been a constant whilst Lily and Josh have built their working relationship together. When he’s not attending important meetings, he’s normally found rolling around in the grass to his heart’s content or snuggling up for a long nap. He’s a huge fan of giving kisses, especially to Josh after he’s been for a run.
He’s also known for being a slightly anxious boy who could do with his own emotional support animal at times, but has recently taken up a new hobby of modelling for a dog life drawing class in Bristol where he’s proven he can be totally chilled with a group of strangers staring at him for 2 hours! He helps to remind us to be joyful and to find happiness in the everyday moments.
"Josh's approach is thoughtful, honest, and human which is a rarity. I trust his judgment completely, and I know he genuinely cares about getting the right fit for both sides."
I didn't quite believe you could have a human-centred, no pressure, patient and adaptable recruitment experience and that's what you get with Josh. You can also trust him implicitly."
"Josh and Lily have set up something very special and definitely unique. I couldn't be happier with what they do for us, how they do it and the authentic values they demonstrate."
"Josh has helped me to navigate a tricky job market, and although the new role I have found has not been through Josh, I would not hesitate to recommend him in a heart beat!"
"Lily brings a rare combination of emotional intelligence, commercial acumen, and refreshing transparency to the recruitment. She's not just a great recruiter; she's a genuine partner.""
"I felt supported throughout the whole process, and found Lily's guidance and advice very helpful. Lily is fantastic at what she does, and I would highly recommend her to anyone."
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