Kate Hall

I love the thrill of a brand new search, and the challenge of finding the best talent.

My path to a career in research was anything but obvious or predictable. I spent part of my childhood on a beautiful sheep and cattle property in northern New South Wales. On finishing school I followed some well-meaning parental guidance, went to university and thought to become a teacher.

When all was said and done, though, my real passion was acting. I eventually spent four years studying ‘The Method’ at Sydney’s Ensemble Studios. In hindsight, it was always the script analysis, intensive character study and teamwork that were my forte.

Sadly, I realised I was not to be the next Cate Blanchett. As the new millennium approached and Sydney geared up for the Olympics, I was offered a stint at a well-known Sydney boutique search firm. Despite some initial trepidation I found myself in an exciting new world. Little did I then know but I was embarking on a career that – now twenty years later – continues to inspire me.

Transitioning into corporate life did, of course, present some hurdles — but my natural curiosity and bent for research enabled me to quickly grasp clients’ needs. While teaching and the performing arts might seem a far cry from the business world, the skills I gained in the classroom - and then honed in rehearsal studios - have proved valuable beyond my wildest imagination. Who would have thought?

My early years in research were spent working in smaller firms. I gained hands-on experience across a range of industry sectors. Later, I flipped that on its head in a global search firm where juggling multiple international assignments deepened my capabilities.

As a Director at Dohnt & Co I take pleasure in applying rigor to research and choosing creative pathways to problem solving. I like to think outside the box. The more challenging the search, the more exciting the challenge … and the more exceptional the results.