What was your earliest dream job?

When I was a kid I would sit and watch the news and dream of being a newsreader. I guess a big part of my role still involves communicating news, so there is a parallel. It doesn’t feel as glamorous though!

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

I started working as a temp for Staffline Recruitment back in 1997, which led to an admin role in their Leicester office. I fell in love with the sense of satisfaction that comes from seeing people who had struggled previously to find work land their dream roles.

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

My role model in life was definitely my Nan. Sadly, she passed in 2021. She was 97 and had seen so much change in her lifetime but took it all in her stride and always saw the best in everyone.

What do you love most about your current role?

People! A cliché I know, but I work in a people profession, in a people team, in a people company, in a people industry. I have a fantastic team and no two days are the same.

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

I was called up on stage at one of our annual conferences, thinking it was recognition for length of service – to be surprised with a promotion to HR director. I’ve never forgotten that moment.

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

I remember interviewing a potential candidate and suffered an embarrassing clothing fail in the middle of the interview. I had managed to shove two mismatched shoes on from under my desk and one was higher heeled than the other… We both laughed it off though!

What would you regard as your signature tune?

It is so difficult to pick one song – my music taste is so varied (I used to work in the Heavy Metal industry before recruitment). But one of my all-time favourites is Bruce Springsteen’s Dancing in the Dark.

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

I’ve become more measured in my thought processes. I manage to keep my calm during challenging times, which I’ve been told means my team feel they can lean on me for support.

It’s important to be open and transparent about a situation, while also instilling confidence in others

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

The need to have empathy and not presume that everyone is having the same experience as you are. It’s important to be open and transparent, while also instilling confidence in others in their ability to help steer the company through turbulent times.

Cindy Gunn spoke with Roisin Woolnough.

Image credit | Gi-Group | Shutterstock