​From Graduate to Horticulture Headhunter: Kieran Duncan-Johal’s Unexpected Career in Recruitment

In this episode of TheMorePeople Podcast, Andrew Fitzmaurice sits down with Kieran Duncan-Johal, a rising star in our horticulture recruitment team. From fresh graduate to trusted industry voice, Kieran’s story is a testament to the power of being open-minded, asking the right questions, and saying “yes” to unexpected opportunities.

From Gardener to Graduate Recruiter

Kieran joined MorePeople straight from university, with a degree in International Business and a year’s placement in the U.S. under his belt - but no fixed idea of what he wanted to do next.

“I never wanted to pigeonhole myself. I studied marketing, HR, finance - I wanted to keep my options open. That led me here.”

Ironically, his first real-world “job” was as a gardener for a family friend who happened to have worked with MorePeople back in 2006. That connection turned into a conversation, which turned into an interview… and the rest is history.

“If someone still remembers the name of the recruitment company they worked with 15 years ago that says a lot.”

Finding Purpose in Plants — and People

Now a key member of MorePeople’s horticulture and fresh produce recruitment team, Kieran helps connect talent with businesses across the supply chain, from hands-on growers to vineyard directors.

“One day I’m talking to a graduate about their first job, the next I’m placing a director into a major fruit business. It’s never dull.”

He works in a sector he didn’t even realise existed when he graduated and one that he believes more young people need to hear about.

“There are way more careers in horticulture than people realise and most of them don’t require you to have grown up on a farm.”

Championing the Next Generation

Kieran is actively involved in two industry groups supporting young professionals:

• YPHA (Young People in Horticulture Association) – a growing community that brings younger talent together through events, tours, and open conversations about the sector.

• NextGen Fruit Group – aimed at cultivating the next generation of leaders in fruit and fresh produce.

“These groups give people confidence. You get to ask questions without feeling silly, and you learn what’s really going on in the industry.”

And it’s clear the sector needs fresh faces. Ageing workforces and succession planning are top of mind for many employers and Kieran’s goal is to help bridge that gap by educating graduates on just how diverse and rewarding the world of horticulture can be.

What Recruitment Taught Me (That Uni Didn’t)

Kieran is honest about his first impression of recruitment and how much it’s changed since he joined.

“Before this, I didn’t really see the point of recruiters. I thought companies just had HR teams for that. But I’ve seen how much value we bring. We take pressure off busy HR people and help businesses grow.”

What’s kept him engaged is the variety.

“One day I’m working with a family-run glasshouse business, the next I’m speaking to an investor who’s bought a vineyard for fun.”

The challenges? Learning when and how to communicate - even when there’s no news.

“I’ve learned that even a non-update is still an update. You’ve got to keep those conversations going.”

Learning by Asking – And Listening

One of Kieran’s standout traits is his curiosity. He’s not afraid to be vulnerable, ask questions, and admit when he doesn’t know something, whether it’s to a client, candidate, or colleague.

“You don’t have to make all the mistakes yourself. Learn from the people who’ve been there and done it. Use the room.”

That attitude has not only earned him respect internally but also made him a trusted voice for clients and candidates across the horticulture space.

Horticulture’s Future? Unpredictable - But Full of Potential

When asked what the biggest challenge facing horticulture will be over the next 3–5 years, Kieran is clear:

“Weather is the wildcard. You can’t control it so businesses have to be ready to adapt fast.”

He points to the UK’s growing viticulture scene (sparkling wine, anyone?) as both a win and a warning. Warmer climates are opening new doors, but they come with volatility.

Still, he’s excited about the opportunities on the horizon, especially if the industry can attract more diverse and driven people into it.

What’s Next for Kieran? The World, Maybe. Literally.

Kieran’s ambition is clear. He’s focused on getting it right here in MorePeople’s Stamford HQ, but he’s not ruling out bigger things.

“There’s talk of opening offices abroad one day. Who knows? Maybe I’ll be in a more senior role in another country. America, perhaps?”

Final Thoughts

Kieran’s journey proves that you don’t need a lifelong plan to build a successful career. You just need to stay curious, ask good questions, and be open to where conversations lead.

Tune in to the full podcast to hear more about:

• Kieran’s surprising journey from gardener to recruiter

• Why horticulture needs young talent more than ever

• What it’s really like working in recruitment

• And how to stand out in a sector full of possibility

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