Tell us a bit about your role! Is there a “typical” day?
In one word: Hectic! I’m the Managing Director for Majar Group – a talent solutions business in the creative, digital, and tech space, formed from the merger of Major Players and Arrows 18 months ago. I am responsible for our day-to-day operations, steering the ship to ensure we offer excellent service to our clients and candidates, while challenging industry norms and evolving the business for the future of work. A significant part of my role revolves around our incredible team.
The driving force behind a great business is happy people. I'm passionate about cultivating an inclusive environment that truly embodies our Authentically Different mantra – where everyone feels like they can bring their whole selves to work.
There isn’t necessarily a typical day in my job; we are in the People Business… and quite literally, anything can happen. I have many brilliant stories (which we will have to save for a different interview!) We have quite a flat structure across the group - which means we roll our sleeves up and get involved as much as time allows.
What was the biggest challenge in getting to your current position?
I would say the knockbacks – recruitment is a tough gig, and you get a lot of no’s. But sprinkled among the no’s are some wonderful yes’s. Resilience is key. Maintaining your self-belief is crucial, and in all honesty, that can be tough during challenging times; especially given the landscape we have been operating in recently. Really, 90% of it is believing in your vision…and persistence.
What is your personal background and what role did it play in your career?
I grew up in a small town in Essex with my mum and sister. I wouldn’t say I was particularly academic - I was always much more independent and entrepreneurial. I think I felt frustrated and bored at school, and I left as soon as I could to enter the workforce.
I got my first job at 18 as a junior in a large recruitment business, and I knew straight away that this was the gig for me. It was less about what qualifications you had and more about your ability to engage and connect with people, be curious, and build relationships – something I still love to this day.
What is your biggest career-related win? What is your biggest loss?
One of my proudest achievements to date is securing B Corp status for Major Players. Any other B Corp business will know - it's no easy feat! It embodies the values that I hold personally but also what I believe businesses should stand for in terms of inclusivity, sustainability, and growth.
In terms of losses, I have got lots, who doesn’t? But every loss is a lesson, and I choose to focus on how I can improve.
Which individuals and/or agencies do you gain inspiration from? Do you have any heroes in the industry?
Brené Brown is a powerful inspiration for me. Her research on vulnerability and courage shaped my approach to both personal and professional challenges.
Her emphasis on authenticity and the strength found in vulnerability has influenced how I navigate my industry. Brown has influenced my commitment to resilience, self-belief, and the pursuit of an authentic and open professional journey.
If you could go back to your teenage years, would you have done things differently? Do you have any regrets?
Most of my teenage regrets are related to my DIY hairstyles! I used to say that I wish I tried harder at school and focused more on my education, but honestly now I am not sure if that's true. Leaving school early and starting work at a young age has shaped me into the person I am today. And I wouldn’t want it any other way.
I also don’t necessarily believe in regrets – you make decisions that you believe are best for you at the time, based on the information that you have. Sure, they don’t always work out, but you pick yourself up and go again.
If you weren’t in your current industry, what would you be doing?
Knowing me, I don’t do anything in half measures, so I’d probably have a completely different life and lifestyle. I’d like to think I would be a Kundalini Yoga Instructor living in the hills. Kundalini is one of my big passions. It keeps me grounded and focused on the present.
What’s your one big dream for the future of the industry?
For a fairer and more equitable society for all. For far too long now there are huge pay and support disparities across creative, digital, and tech, and I would love to see this eradicated so there was a level playing field. Unfortunately, our Salary Census data shows that we have quite a bit of work to do.
What are your top tips for aspiring creative professionals?
Celebrate your uniqueness, live into your truth, and connect with one another. Oh, and also, be kind to your recruiters – we’re here to support your career journey and provide you with the best opportunities.
What are your top tips for other creative leaders?
Train, invest in, and support your current staff to the best of your ability.
Our recently published Future of Work 2024 report, highlights a growing talent and skills shortage, a concern exacerbated by the expected doubling of industries by 2030.
Currently, 30% of businesses express concern about securing individuals with the necessary skills. So investing in the talent you already have is vital. Employee development becomes crucial for future-proofing businesses and enhancing retention strategies.
When you think about your team, what is the thing that matters to you the most?
First and foremost – that they feel they can bring their full selves to work. It’s so important that people have a sense of belonging and grounding at work – when you think about it, it’s where we spend most of our week (don’t think about that for too long!) so we want everyone to be comfortable and authentic.
Secondly, that they are invested in our vision and believe that they’re making a direct contribution. We are more than just a set of recruitment businesses - we’re providing solutions to the main barrier to an organization's growth, and that’s people. And we’re doing it in a purposeful way.
Do you have any websites, books or resources you would recommend?
I’m sure you can sense a theme here now, but it’s got to be Brené Brown – Dare to Lead. This book has been a game-changer for me – and I think there is a powerful message in leading with vulnerability that many could learn from.
