What was your earliest dream job?

Which boy who is raised in England doesn’t want to be a footballer? I dreamed of playing for Arsenal, until the mandatory knee football injury meant a career in recruitment instead.

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

When I finished university, I sought a career combining IT and sales. I remember reading the Evening Standard and seeing an advert for recruitment consultants with eye-watering OTEs. I worked for a recruitment firm Elan IT, which was part of the Manpower Group.

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

Toby Babb – I truly believe he was ahead of time, when it came to marketing and branding in recruitment. Also, Lloyd Gordon – you cannot outwork him. Both have built successful recruitment businesses and I’ve tried to incorporate their strengths into my way of working.

What do you love most about your current role?

The variety – the modern recruiter wears many hats. I’ve travelled abroad to meet clients, I’ve spoken at events, I’ve been on pitches to win clients, I’ve created business plans to break into new markets… The role really is what you make it.

Have a plan, always be learning and have people around you, so that you can ask for help or advice”

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

I’ve been top biller a number of times, but the moments I enjoy the most and I’m most proud of are when I’ve broken into my target accounts.

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

I was working with a lady who had recently been made redundant. When I found her a role, she was so happy she introduced her daughter to me. I am not sure what she expected to happen. We went on a date, but more out of politeness – ☺

What would you regard as your signature tune?

LL Cool J – Mama Said Knock You Out. I believe I can achieve anything when that song is playing.

The last few years have been a bit of a rollercoaster. What have you learnt about yourself during these turbulent times?

The last four to five years I have had to evolve and do tasks such as embrace social media, create content and develop a community in my market. These are all duties I did not focus on pre-Covid.

What personal qualities do you think are needed to lead through change and uncertainty?

Have a plan, always be learning and have people around you, so that you can ask for help or advice. In periods of uncertainty, you have to be able to pivot to where the opportunity is.

Richard Twumasi spoke with journalist Roisin Woolnough.

Image credit | Shutterstock