Our voyage through the Workday® landscape spans over 15 years, evolving from the company's inception in 2008 by Dom Martinez and Paul Deba to its recognition as a Workday® Staffing Partner in 2024. For those unfamiliar with our narrative, let's embark on a journey to the roots of Lucas Kennedy.
Founded in 2008 by Dom Martinez and Paul Deba, both seasoned professionals with extensive experience in another agency where they played a pivotal role in growing that organization from its initial 7 employees to one of the largest independently owned IT recruitment agencies in the UK. Paul specialized in SAP, while Dom, renowned as the 'godfather' of PeopleSoft recruitment, began his career in the '90s, training some of the world's best PeopleSoft recruiters.
After a decade of collaboration, Dom and Paul united to form Lucas Kennedy. The name, a pseudonym derived from the initials of their children – L and J.F.K, aimed to resonate more with the times and prevailing brand names. Unfortunately, Paul and Dom later decided to go their own ways, marking a significant transition for Lucas Kennedy.
In 2011, I embarked on a transformative journey with Lucas Kennedy as a Trainee Recruitment Consultant. Under the mentorship and guidance of Dom Martinez, I quickly carved my own path, building enduring relationships that have withstood the test of time. Working alongside Dom, we expanded our presence and client base across multiple countries, assisting numerous clients over the years. Today, I proudly unveil our story within the Workday® ecosystem – a journey that started in 2012 and has led to remarkable growth and recognition.
Transformative Twist: A Pivotal Year in the Workday® Chronicles
Back to 2012, faced with a scarcity of new PeopleSoft implementation or upgrade projects, we found ourselves at a crossroads. However, a pivotal moment presented itself when a global, blue-chip PeopleSoft client – a cornerstone of our clientele – made the bold decision to implement Workday®.
At that juncture, we had 5 PeopleSoft consultants actively engaged with the client, who had recently gone live with the latest version of PeopleSoft and had decided to implement Workday®. Initially, the client relied on the partner for all their resource needs and utilized internal employees where possible. Recognizing the challenges of hiring Workday® resources, they approached us with a unique consultation, seeking our expertise in staffing their client-side needs.
Mindful of the limited presence of Workday® customers in the UK at the time, and the scarcity of experienced Workday® consultants, we embarked on a journey of exploration. We inquired about our PeopleSoft consultants that were working on the Workday® programme, and the feedback was promising – they were transitioning seamlessly. This sparked a demand for more consultants, and in the following year, we had successfully supplied over 25 PeopleSoft consultants to work on the client's burgeoning PeopleSoft to Workday® program. Today, these individuals stand as some of the best consultants in the UK and EU Workday® ecosystem.
Later that same transformative year, a significant opportunity arose through a valuable contact. This contact, a partner at a Big 4 consultancy, was transitioning to a new role in another Big 4 and was entrusted with building their Workday® practice from the ground up. Lucas Kennedy played a crucial role in this endeavour, assisting in placing the initial consultants and managers who would lay the foundation for the partners' thriving Workday® practice. Remarkably, some of these individuals remain integral to the organization to this day.
This chapter in the Lucas Kennedy story exemplifies our commitment to adaptability, collaboration, and seizing opportunities that pave the way for our progress within the Workday® ecosystem. The transformative twists and turns underscore our dedication to not just navigating change but thriving within it. Over the years, we expanded our presence and reach, contributing to numerous Workday® programs and assisting thousands of candidates within Workday® ecosystem.
In 2020, after 12 years at the helm, Dom retired, and after 9 years as an employee, I acquired Lucas Kennedy and took the reins determined to uphold the principles of trust, integrity, and long-term relationships. Despite the challenges brought by the lockdown in 2020, my first year in charge, we weathered the storm without laying off any employees, thanks to the strong relationships forged over the years that continue to bring business our way and during this period, our resilience led to new opportunities and growth.
Since my acquisition, my mission has been to carry forward the ethos and make our commitment to quality, trust, integrity, and fair pricing, accessible worldwide and becoming an Official Staffing Partner endorsed by Workday® in March 2024 marks a significant step toward achieving our mission.
Nurturing Future Collaborations: A Shared Commitment to the Workday® Ecosystem From the Team at Lucas Kennedy
As we reflect on the transformative journey of Lucas Kennedy, we find ourselves filled with gratitude for the remarkable experiences, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped our evolution within the Workday® ecosystem. Today, as a recognized Workday® Staffing Partner, we stand not only as a testament to our enduring commitment but as a community eager to embrace the future.
A Vision Beyond Horizons
Our history has paved the way for enduring relationships and a reputation built on trust and integrity. As the torchbearer of this legacy, I, along with the whole Lucas Kennedy team, look forward to weaving new chapters into the narrative of our journey.
An Ongoing Partnership
To our clients, candidates, and partners within the Workday® ecosystem, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering support and collaboration over the years. Together, we have weathered challenges, celebrated victories, and forged connections that go beyond mere professional associations.
A Pledge for the Future
As we gaze ahead, we are filled with excitement for the opportunities that lie on the horizon. The Workday® ecosystem is dynamic and ever-evolving, and we are committed to being at the forefront, contributing, collaborating, and fostering growth within this vibrant community.
Ready for the Road Ahead
To our clients, rest assured that our principles of quality, speed, trust, integrity, and fair pricing will continue to guide our every interaction. To our candidates, we are dedicated to not just finding placements but facilitating career journeys that align with your aspirations.
A Collective Eager Anticipation
From myself, the team, and every individual at Lucas Kennedy, we eagerly anticipate the privilege of working with each one of you within the Workday® ecosystem for many years to come. Together, let's continue to build bridges, share successes, and contribute to the flourishing tapestry of the Workday® story.
Here's to the future – a future of collaboration, growth, and shared achievements within the expansive realms of the Workday® ecosystem. We look forward to the exciting chapters that await us, hand in hand with our valued partners, clients, and candidates.
Warm regards,
Nigel Dick
CEO- Lucas Kennedy