What was your earliest dream job?

To be a police officer or work in forensics. I decided against that though, when I wanted to engage my creativity and realised it wouldn’t be the right path.

What was your first job in recruitment and how did you come into it?

I entered the recruitment world with CVUK after going to them to help me find my next retail management role. I met with a lovely manager called Andrea who said “Yes, you’d be a good recruiter” – and the rest is history!

Who is your role model – in life or in recruitment?

I have had many role models. My mum is a constant inspiration and I strive to be more like her. In work, role models can change with each new challenge. I take influence from peers, managers, my team – I can learn so much from other people’s perspectives.

What do you love most about your current role?

The team – they are brilliant, and as a team we are so creative, resilient and driven to support. The Gym Group gives us space to bring our authentic self to work, and for me, that is priceless.

What would you consider to be the most brilliant moment of your career?

I’m lucky to say that I have had a few; in my agency days I worked with some amazing brands, with brands like Adidas and Puma. When I went in-house to Sports Direct, I was able to redesign the careers websites for all their brands, which is still the basis of their sites today. At the Gym Group, the moment I’m most proud of is developing and launching our sector-first Inclusive Traineeship. I head up our disability working group – a real passion project for me; my younger brother Oscar has Down’s Syndrome and I wanted to show Oscar and others that there are opportunities and businesses who will champion you. Partnering with the Down’s Syndrome Association and WorkFit enabled us to reach people who were keen to experience fitness – the results have been amazing.

Laugh or cry, what did your most memorable candidate make you want to do and why?

Happy cry – I have experienced candidates so overjoyed when I have offered them their perfect role, and that is the best feeling.

The Proclaimers’ I’m Gonna Be (500 miles) – it’s a great tune and very Scottish!

What was your sanity go-to during Covid-19 and various lockdowns?

Time with my daughter lying in the sun, and generally just checking in on everyone and staying connected.

What did you learn about yourself during the pandemic?

It reminded a lot of people, including myself, to offer help, where you can, to those around you who might be struggling. Community and family are so important, and I feel grateful to have a strong, supportive network.

Jennagh Delaney spoke with Roisin Woolnough