A Bricklayer in a Shirt and Tie: Jamie Purser’ Path to Authentic Leadership

From leaving school at 16 with no qualifications to leading Newham College London, Jamie Purser’ journey is one of resilience, self-belief, and the power of encouragement. In this episode, Jamie shares how a bricklaying job set him on a path to leadership, why authentic identity matters in senior roles, and how further education can transform lives. 

His story is a reminder that ambition and opportunity can come from unexpected places — and that anyone, with the right support, can achieve more than they imagined.

Host

Dan Taylor
Dan Taylor
Managing Director at Morgan Hunt

I am the Managing Director of Morgan Hunt and Pentagon Talent and have held this position since January 2017. Over that period, I have overseen a full-scale change programme that has led to a more defined offering to the businesses long standing clients, a full change of brand, a new CRM and several adoptions of new and innovative tech and the opening of a new business in Scotland. All this has contributed to returning this long-standing business to profit.

In 2023, Morgan Hunt was awarded the NORA award for best large recruitment business for Morgan Hunt’s online presence, The Financial Times listed Morgan Hunt as one of the top 30 British Recruitment Companies and The Recruiter Magazine will feature Morgan Hunt in their Fast 100 for 2023.

I have worked within staffing and recruitment for 28 years. I am a major supporter of APSCo, attending many events throughout the year. I am a firm advocate for greater professionalism within the recruitment industry.

Married with two daughters, outside work interests include playing the drums and supporting the Sussex Cricket Foundation by creating greater access to the sport of cricket within the City of Brighton and Hove.

Guest

Jamie Purser
Jamie Purser
Principal and Chief Executive Officer of Newham College of Further Education

Jamie Purser is Principal and Chief Executive Officer of Newham College London. With over 20 years in Further Education, he has led the college to become one of the highest performing in London, with strong outcomes for learners. Jamie played a key role in the merger with NewVIc Sixth Form College, creating one of the most inclusive and wide-ranging post-16 and adult education offers in the capital. Passionate about accessible and transformative education, he is committed to helping every student achieve their potential.

Podcasts you might like
More Than Clutter: Megan Karnes on Understanding Hoarding and Changing Lives
Dan Taylor sits down with Megan Karnes, founder of Hoard UK, to explore the realities of hoarding, mental health and the power of turning lived experience into meaningful change.
Start Small, Think Big: Hayden Taylor on Building Unloc
Hayden Taylor shares how a youth programme inspired him to build Unloc and why opportunity, mentorship and confidence can transform young lives.
Everyone Deserves to Be Heard: Jon Wheeler's Leadership Journey
Join Dan Taylor & John Wheeler for a conversation about leadership, but more importantly, people.
Community at the Heart of Change: David Sollis on Mental Health and Leadership
A conversation with David Sollis on leadership, mental health, and the power of community support.