What was your earliest dream job?

I always wanted to work in fashion. I went for an interview to be a buyer at Topshop, and they really wanted to hire me, but I couldn’t pass the maths test.

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

I’m one of those people that actually didn’t fall into recruitment. I love meeting people, reading people and making lifelong relationships. I was walking past a local agency and went in to have a chat, and haven’t looked back since. Ironically, they put me into financial recruitment!

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

Anita Roddick. My first job was working for The Body Shop when I was 16 and she taught me that money shouldn’t be a priority – passion should be what you do. She always said: “You don’t build a business; you build people and people build the business.” She also said that in a products-based business, your products are key. In service-based industries, you rely heavily on testimonials. She was ahead of her time with her drive and entrepreneurial skills.

What do you love most about your current role?

I like joining the dots and helping people. There’s nothing better than connecting people. It’s about building long-term relationships and seeing the bigger picture – not taking a short-term approach. It’s never about making a quick buck. Also, bringing great people into your team and demonstrating that people matter.

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

There are a few, but a turning point was when I became a business owner. All those years of hard work paid off.

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

I received a call from a client to say that a candidate hadn’t shown up for interview. I called the candidate and said: “Are you stuck in a ditch?” To my horror, she said yes – she had just crashed her car! She was fine, and we still laugh about it today.

What would you regard as your signature tune?

Queen’s Don’t Stop Me Now. It’s a song about celebrating together.

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

Lots of running with my headphones in – podcasts, dance music. I was like Forrest Gump! It clears my head.

What did you learn about yourself during the pandemic?

That I’m resilient. I gave birth one week into lockdown and had to go into hospital on my own. I know I can deal with anything difficult that comes along.

Natalie McGregor spoke with Roisin Woolnough

Natalie McGregor is commercial director at finance recruitment agency Headstar

Image credit | Alamy