Spotlight on Ambition Leaders

How did you get into recruitment?

After University, I joined Harrods on a managers development scheme, I loved the sales element but wanted to be more proactive in my approach. 

Someone told me about recruitment, that earning potential was unlimited, you were responsible for driving your own sales, you got to talk to people and take them out for lunch and drinks. It sounded like a great opportunity – and no weekend work!

Who is your role model as a leader?

My Grandmother. She grew a business from nothing at a time when women were not business leaders. She fought against discrimination and never let anything knock her back. If she had a setback she saw it as an opportunity and would come back with a new business idea/opportunity. 

The majority of the people she recruited were women and she gave them all the same wage as a man would have earned – again unheard of at that time. Alongside that she was heavily involved in local politics and although a force to be reckoned with she remained a warm, compassionate woman.

What inspires you?

Seeing people develop and realising their potential. I’m a great believer in putting maximum effort into something. Effort eclipses natural talent.

What is the most valuable advice you have been given?

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and control the controllable. Sometimes things just will not go according to plan and you have to flex and think of a different solution.

What is your greatest achievement?

Having two beautiful children and achieving my goal of becoming MD of Ambition London.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career and how did you overcome it?

Apart from battling through the global financial crisis……it would have to be balancing being a mother and business leader. There is no such thing as having it all and at times one or the other has to take priority. I am lucky to have a really good support network at home which has enabled me to develop my career and to work for Ambition which understands the importance of achieving some form of work – life balance!  

"There is no such thing as having it all and at times one or the other has to take priority."

Can you give me three things on your ‘bucket list’?

1. A parachute jump 
2. Speak Spanish fluently (my father is Spanish, my paternal family speak no English, I have no excuse!) 
3. Travel the world with my family (my husband wants to do it in a camper van – we may be travelling independently).

3 words to describe yourself?

Loyal, Determined, reliable

What would you like to achieve next?

To get Ambition UK to be the leading Professional Services Consultancy in London. I would also like to take a higher profile role at the charity Diabetes UK. I have worked with them for a number of years and I am actively involved in raising awareness of diabetes and the related complications surrounding the illness.

I have done a number of fundraising activities over the last few years for Diabetes UK, raising over £30,000 for the charity and have done a number of interviews for newspapers, magazines and for radio on behalf of the charity. I feel passionate about working towards better care and information for diabetics and hopefully one day finding a cure.