From Farm Fields to Recruitment Leadership: Ryan Bainborough’s Journey into Agriculture and Talent Strategy
At MorePeople, we believe the stories behind our team are as important as the work we do. In the latest episode of TheMore People Podcast, Managing Director Richard Hanwell sits down with Ryan Bainborough, who leads our Rural and Agriculture team. From childhood days on a dairy farm to navigating high-stakes recruitment in London, Ryan’s story is a powerful mix of grit, adaptability, and an unwavering passion for people and agriculture.
Early Roots: A Love for the Land
Unlike many in the sector, Ryan didn’t grow up on a family farm. His early exposure came through a unique setting, his childminder happened to be an arable and dairy farmer.
“From about four years old, I was mucking in after school milking cows, working holidays on the combine. I couldn’t wait to get home from school to help out.”
This hands-on experience sparked a deep connection with the land and the people who worked it. Surrounded by the countryside of Leicestershire, Ryan was captivated by the machinery, the animals, and most of all, the work ethic.
“Farmers work incredibly hard, long hours, tough conditions. But when you love what you do, it never feels like hard work.”
A Left Turn Into Sport - and Then Recruitment
While farming was always close to his heart, Ryan initially pursued a different passion: sport. After studying sports coaching at university, he quickly realised it wasn’t the right long-term fit.
“It sounded great on paper, but the reality of grassroots coaching was tough and not what I expected.”
In a twist of fate, Ryan stumbled across a job ad promising uncapped earnings in recruitment. He landed his first role in London, recruiting salespeople in the tech industry, an environment completely foreign to his rural roots.
“It was chalk and cheese compared to life in Leicestershire. But it taught me a lot, how to stand up for myself, how business works, and how to adapt.”
Internal vs Agency: Lessons from Both Sides
Ryan’s career has since spanned agency roles, internal recruitment, and RPO partnerships, giving him a rare 360° view of the hiring landscape.
“Agency is very proactive. You’re driving the process. Internal recruitment is more reactive, based on budgets, growth, and shifting priorities.”
He highlights the key difference: agency recruiters often miss the internal pressures recruiters face, like budget freezes, time constraints, and direct pressure from hiring managers.
“When you’ve been internal, you understand the delays. You become more empathetic, and it helps build stronger partnerships.”
Ryan is a passionate advocate for collaboration between internal and agency recruiters.
“Internal teams cover a wide range of roles. When they partner with specialists who really know the market, it’s a win-win.”
Sport, Ice Hockey, and High Performance
Outside of recruitment, Ryan has represented the UK in ice hockey and played competitive cricket, including a stint in Australia.
“I wasn’t the most naturally talented, but I worked hard. Discipline and consistency were everything.”
These traits now form the backbone of his leadership style at MorePeople.
“There’s no silver bullet - just doing the small things right, over and over. That’s how you go from good to great.”
Leading with Empathy, Built on Experience
Today, Ryan brings together his background in farming, sports, and recruitment to lead one of our most specialised divisions.
“I get what rural clients need. I’ve worked the land. I’ve been in internal teams. I’ve done the agency hustle. Now I use all of that to help clients and candidates find the right fit.”
His mix of empathy, drive, and experience is helping to shape not just careers but the future of the agriculture sector itself.
