After more than two decades in recruitment, what continues to keep me in this profession isn’t the mechanics of the role; it’s what happens as a result of a well-considered hire. Seeing someone you placed a few years ago become a trusted member within their team, or watching a business move from constant firefighting to stability because the right person stepped in. These are the outcomes that make the challenges along the way worthwhile.

This perspective is also why I’ve never seen myself as “just a recruiter.” The most meaningful part of my work sits both before and well after a shortlist is presented. It’s in the early conversations where a leader is still shaping what they truly need, and in the follow-up, where we assess whether the decision we made together is delivering as intended.

In practice, this means I almost always begin with “why now?” rather than “who.”

When a client says, “We need a new Operations Manager,” my first instinct is to understand what has shifted. Has the business grown? Has something broken down? Has the scope of the role evolved over time? When we take the time to unpack that honestly, the role can often change, sometimes subtly, sometimes significantly. The level may shift, the focus may narrow or broaden, and occasionally, we uncover that the pressure being felt won’t always be solved by an additional hire alone, at least not in its current form.

I also believe in being transparent about the risks I can see.

If a role appears to carry the weight of two positions or lacks the authority needed to achieve what’s expected, I will address that directly. It’s not about being critical; it’s about avoiding a situation where early concerns are overlooked, only to come back months later as a misalignment that could have been prevented.

Through my daily conversations with professionals, whether they’re leading teams, considering a move, or simply exploring their options, I generally gain a clear understanding of what’s motivating them, what’s holding them back, and what concepts like “flexibility” genuinely mean in today’s environment. When I share these insights with clients, it’s not to influence a particular outcome; it’s to ensure decisions are made with a well-rounded, informed perspective.

I’m also mindful that there’s no single “right” way for us to work together.

At times, the priority is speed and precision, where the brief is clear, timelines are tight, and my role is to execute efficiently, applying sound judgment throughout the process. At other times, the best outcomes come from slowing things down, asking more considered questions, and working through some initial discomfort to gain clarity. Both approaches are valid; what matters most is that we align on which approach we’re taking.



At the core of how I work are a few simple principles: remain curious, communicate honestly and respectfully, and stay engaged beyond placement. That’s what allows me to build long-term partnerships, and it’s the standard I hold myself to in every engagement.

That’s the version of this profession that feels genuine to me, and the one I’m proud to stand behind.