What was your earliest dream job?

My earliest dream job that I can recall was wanting to be a policewoman – yes, really!

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

I got my first job in an agency as a social media assistant. I soon got roped into picking up bits and bobs of recruitment activity. I was asked by my boss if I’d ever considered a career as a recruiter, to which I responded, “No way!” And nine years on… I own my own consultancy!

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

My role model is my mum – strong, resilient, caring and independent. My mum is all of those things, and I really try to follow in her footsteps every day.

What do you love most about your current role?

There are SO many things I love about my job. I love assisting industry professionals in developing their dream careers. But as a recruiter into the beauty industry, I also love working with the brands I’ve grown up using as an avid beauty consumer myself.

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

The day I launched my own agency. Never in a million years did I think I’d be able to launch my own consultancy. It’s been such a growth journey since then – professionally, physically, mentally and emotionally!

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

This is actually lots of moments. I used to manage a temp desk of around 200 production line staff; the excuses I used to get as to why they couldn’t attend that day – it was comical! When you’ve worked in recruitment a while, you get to hear all the excuses in the book…

What would you regard as your signature tune?

Happiness – Alexis Jordan. No real reasoning behind it other than it’s just an absolute ANTHEM and a serious mood-uplifter! You can’t not have a little boogie to it.

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

I’ve learned that I’m a lot more resilient than I thought. The recruitment world changed overnight, and it has continued to change ever since. As recruiters, we’ve had to adapt so many times, and we’ve kept going and pushing on throughout – it’s made me a very strong woman in other areas of my life too and I’m grateful for that.

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

Resilience, adaptability and integrity. Being strong in difficult times, open to change and always acting with honesty and fairness helps create trust and stability for those around you.

Stephanie Houghton, founder of Blush & Bloom Talent, spoke with Roisin Woolnough

Image credit | Shutterstock | Alamy