Let’s start at the beginning — what pulled you into Recruitment all those years ago, and did you ever imagine you’d still be in it 17 years later?

You’ve worn a lot of hats – Consultant, Manager, Director, and now Co-Founder. What made you take that leap into running your own business? Was there a “now or never” moment?

I had reached the point in my old job where I was very comfortable — and that’s a dangerous place to be. I also hated feeling like I couldn’t be myself or that myself wasn’t good enough.
There was an opportunity to walk away (on a high after a brilliant couple of years), and I grabbed it with both hands! The timing felt so right and so exciting!

You’ve managed big teams and grown offices — what have you learned about leading people that textbooks don’t teach?

I’ve learned that you have to really care about people. You have to accept that everyone is different and a one-size-fits-all approach just never works…
My most powerful learn was accepting that everyone isn’t the same as me and that’s ok. A team of me’s would be quite scary!
The key to real success and growth is empowering and developing my people — not me doing it all. (Even if I think I can!! lol)

“Recruitment is, always has been, and always will be about relationships.”

The Recruitment game has changed a lot since 2008. What’s been the biggest shift for you – technology, people, expectations?

Something that gives me the ick is so many people/companies try and pretend that recruitment is something different now.
No one is reinventing the wheel. Recruitment is, always has been, and always will be about relationships.

You talk about recruitment as a partnership — not just filling roles. What does that look like day-to-day?

The best way I can describe how true partnerships work is EQUALITY.
We won’t work with clients where it feels like a “parent and child” relationship. There needs to be trust, accountability, and really solid communication.

You’ve specialised in Engineering and IT for a big chunk of your career. What makes those sectors so interesting – or frustrating – to work in?

I don’t find IT interesting and never have…
With Energy — I love being part of the mission to Net Zero. It’s a whole lifestyle change.
I also see the passion every day in my team, my husband and Co-Founder Chris, and our customers.
Happily I would have an Energy tattoo actually… maybe to celebrate 20 years!! ha

Starting your own business is a big move. What’s surprised you most?

The biggest fear was that we’d become slaves to the office — but it’s been the opposite.
We have the best work-life balance ever.
Stuff going wrong is actually less stressful now because we’re in full control of how we react.

What keeps you energised and coming back after nearly two decades?

I have ADHD so energy is not a problem for me!! haha.
But seriously — when you love the people you work with, and you’re passionate about the journey and making a difference, then work becomes so enjoyable.

For those starting out in recruitment — what advice would you give?

You can’t be successful in recruitment without relationships and hard work.
Don’t put clients on a pedestal — your candidates are just as important.
Treat everyone as individuals, don’t make assumptions, and always be learning.
Also: recruitment is a numbers game. I’ve never seen someone lazy do well in the medium to long term!

Finally, if you could wave a magic wand and change one thing about the industry — what would it be?

Two things…

1. Clients listening to what works in a recruitment process. A three-stage interview over four weeks? That’s stacking the odds against you.
2. Invoices being paid on time. It blows my mind how casual some companies can be about an invoice that’s 90 days overdue!

💬 Want to connect with Mhari-Claire or continue the conversation about how Sustainable Talent works in true partnership with clients and candidates?

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