Thomas Phillips is the Founder of McLarenSearch, a firm that’s redefining how careers are built through strategic, personalized guidance. With a background spanning healthcare, consulting, private equity, and social enterprise, Thomas brings a rare combination of market expertise and genuine passion for helping individuals navigate complex career transitions. His mission is simple yet powerful—to be the advocate individuals need to advance with confidence. Through Humans of Fuzia, we’re honored to share his inspiring journey with our global community of 5 million, united in our mission to uplift women, support He for She, and celebrate leaders making meaningful change.
What inspired you to start McLarenSearch?
There were three main reasons. First, I’ve always been passionate about helping people advance their careers. Second, I bring experience from working across various industries like healthcare, finance, private equity, and technology, which gives me a unique perspective when advising others. Finally, I saw a real need in the talent industry. Often, candidates don’t have advocates truly aligned with their interests. I wanted to change that by creating a firm that genuinely works on behalf of individuals, not just employers.
Who do you primarily work with?
I focus on four main areas: healthcare, including all forms of medicine and life sciences; management consulting; private equity and finance; and social enterprises—companies with strong mission-driven goals. These industries are where I have the most expertise, and I work with individuals at every stage, from students to senior executives. As I like to say, I work with people “from the classroom to the boardroom.”
What makes your approach unique?
My approach is similar to that of a sports agent—I work exclusively on behalf of individuals to help them find the right opportunities. Unlike traditional search firms that serve employers, I focus entirely on advancing my clients’ careers. I combine market knowledge with personalized guidance, helping individuals not only polish their résumés or interview skills but truly strategize to achieve their long-term goals.
Have you ever experienced self-doubt or imposter syndrome as an entrepreneur?
Of course, some of those thoughts are natural, but my mindset has always been about building a strong foundation. Transitioning from a structured corporate role to running your own business means wearing many hats and managing unforeseen challenges. But having over 15 years of experience in this space gave me the confidence that I could deliver real value, even though my company is new.
Is there anything you wish you had done differently when starting out?
Building relationships with other entrepreneurs early on would’ve been helpful. When you’re launching, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day operations, but having a network of people who’ve been through similar experiences provides perspective and support. I also remind myself to stay focused on the big picture—sometimes the daily grind can cloud how much progress you’ve made.
What does success mean to you?
I’ve always been driven to improve the talent advisory space, and starting my company to directly address industry gaps feels like success in itself. But beyond that, success is helping people find clarity in their careers, empowering them to showcase their skills, and providing solutions that make an impact. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that I can help people navigate the job market, especially in challenging times.
What kind of legacy do you hope to leave?
I want McLarenSearch to be remembered as a firm that truly put people first—a company with strong principles, delivering results with integrity. More importantly, I want to leave behind a legacy of helping individuals invest in themselves, make confident career moves, and have experiences that reflect both their potential and aspirations.
What challenges have you faced along the way?
Starting out in a new market like North Carolina, where I didn’t know many people, was certainly a challenge. It took proactive networking and relationship-building to lay the foundation. Also, shifting perceptions about the recruiting industry has been an ongoing effort. Many people have negative experiences with transactional recruitment, so changing that narrative to one of collaboration and advocacy takes time—but that’s exactly why I started this business.
Is there anything exciting you’re working on right now?
Yes! Locally, I’ve launched a Run Club to combine fitness with networking in a relaxed, meaningful environment. Beyond that, I’ve added industry-specific research to my services. I help clients identify the right companies, deeply research them, and even pinpoint alumni or personal connections within those organizations. It’s a highly targeted approach to career advancement, ensuring people aren’t just applying for the sake of it—they’re pursuing opportunities that truly align with their goals.
Thomas’s journey is proof that meaningful career growth happens when passion meets preparation. His commitment to helping individuals find clarity, purpose, and empowerment is not only transforming careers but reshaping the way people approach success.
Connect with Thomas Phillips:
You can connect with Thomas on LinkedIn
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