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Last week marked my 13th anniversary in the staffing industry (and the same company I’ve worked at since graduating college). While many millennials switch jobs frequently, the staffing industry has been my constant companion, offering invaluable lessons over the years. Reflecting on my journey, here are three important lessons I’ve learned: 🤝 Empathy and Compassion. Behind every resume lies a human story – dreams, challenges, and aspirations. Understanding others' needs with empathy and compassion has helped me forge genuine connections built on trust and lasting relationships, some of which have remained intact for over a decade. 🦆 Resilience. Years ago, a former co-worker once advised me to let rejection “slide off your back like a duck.” His parting gift of a rubber duck has remained on my desk as a daily reminder. Cold calling, competition, and market downturns can be tough, but I've emerged stronger by embracing resilience through ups and downs. 📝 Holding Yourself Accountable. I’ve always held myself to high standards. Meeting deadlines, delivering on promises, and owning mistakes have been guiding principles, fostering integrity, trust, and helping me build credibility over the years. These are values that have become sacred to me and that I plan to uphold for the rest of my career. As I look back on the past 13 years, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities, experiences, and lessons that staffing has brought into my life. I am also so grateful for the relationships I have created that have shaped me into the professional – and person – I am today. Cheers to 13 years and the continued journey ahead 🎉

Happy Monday Everyone! I'm approaching my 6 year anniversary with MERJE next month (and 16 years in recruitment). As I reflect on the past 16 years, it's a journey filled with twists, turns, and a fair share of surprises! Back in 2008, I ventured into the world of recruitment when Katherine Tiddy took a chance on me after what I can only describe as a horrendous and shocking 2nd interview. (In my defence I thought my 1st interview with Natalie Adams and Jen Parker was ace!) Two years later, and after a few wines at the Christmas party, I found the courage to ask Kath why she hired me despite that dreadful second interview, and her response was simple- she saw something in me and how right she was to take a punt on me. Over the next decade, I had the privilege of working with incredible individuals who shaped my understanding of the industry. It was a decade of learning, growth, and discovering my niche. However, life took an exciting turn six years ago when I joined MERJE. Neil Johns entrusted me with developing the Front-Line Talent Team, and these past six years have been nothing short of phenomenal. Looking back, I never envisioned a career in recruitment. My childhood dream was to become a Children's TV presenter, but took an unexpected detour when my parents signed me up for a hospitality and catering course (thanks mum!)!! In every recruitment business, there are highs and lows, mistakes and triumphs. Yet, I stand here with immense pride, having spent 16 years in the game and proudly affiliated with only two agencies. Not many recruiters can boast such longevity these days. Fast forward to today, next month marks my 6 year anniversary with MERJE, an organisation that has been a pivotal part of my professional journey. At a recent networking event, I was dubbed "Sally - the friendly recruiter," and I must say, I quite like it! (thanks Tim Cowley) If you're a business tired of the revolving door of consultants and seeking a partner with a proven track record of commitment and stability, look no further. Here's to the journey, the lessons learned, and the exciting chapters yet to unfold. #RecruitmentJourney #CareerMilestone #LongevityInRecruitment #MERJEAnniversary #MERJE #merjefrontlinetalent

Today marks my 2nd anniversary of leaving corporate employment—a decision that was not taken lightly. I had the awesome pleasure of spending that last day with my super amazing team in the photo! Such amazing humans through & through! ❣ On this anniversary, I want to share the advice I gave one of my coaching clients: Don’t burn your bridges, even if you plan on never crossing them again, especially if you feel they deserve to be burnt. ⚠ Many of us are in jobs that we love, while others are not so fortunate. We hold on to these jobs because we either love them or need them for survival—a reality for most South Africans. So when a new opportunity presents itself, accept it with grace, and quit with just as much grace. It’s not karma that concerns me here, it’s the people. When we leave jobs, we also leave people, rituals and so many things that they now need to navigate without you. Here’s how to quit like a pro: 🏁 1. Make peace with those who irked you at work: This frees your heart more than anything else. 2. Do a proper handover, especially if you’re a leader: It makes your successor’s life easier, which makes the life of the team you are leaving behind better too. 3. I encourage you to be honest in your exit interview: Good insights matter. 4. Tick all the HR boxes: Hand in your company belongings, clear your laptop, hand over your staff access card (if it is a requirement), and then say goodbyes (your favourite receptionist, the guard who would let you park in the execs only parking on the days you were late, your favourite barista and the cleaning lady who would make sure no one else used your mug) 5. If possible, take a short break before you move on to the next job: It’s good for your head and your heart. To Phumza Somhlaba Riana Grobler Robyn Daniels Thalia Baloka Sahrah Jacobs Pumla Sodela Refilwe Mahlobogoane Vuyelwa Nyathela - I carry you ladies in my heart and your laughter lives rent-free in my head! We really did #doGreatThings ⚓ #leadwell #grateful #GoodTeam #QuitWell #OldMutual #DoGreatThings

The Hidden Gem: Late-Career Hires Today I am celebrating my second anniversary with Adecco – and  what I have to say to my Linkedin network is this:  Please don't overlook candidates nearing the end of their careers. About 2.5 years ago something inside of me was saying – Lisa it is time for something new. I connected with the amazing Suky Sodhi and let her know I was ready to make a move, and was being very intentional about where I wanted to go.  She connected me with two amazing Leaders at Adecco, Eileen Gittens [LION] and Janelle Bieler. As tough as it was to leave my comfort zone I jumped in with both feet. I am truly grateful for the people I have met. There are so many to mention including our Country Leader Tanya Cerniuk along with Andrea Mancini, Stuart Wotherspoon, Susan Brown, Regan Bickell - CHRP, MSW, Diversity Advocate, and of course Ashley Rauscher who welcomed me into her team of Warriors. Thank you for embracing and reminding me that you can "teach an old dog new tricks". There are so many others to mention - you all know who you are and I thank you as well. In a world obsessed with youth, the wisdom of experience is an undervalued asset. I encourage you to consider tapping into this wealth of expertise for your next hire they can bring you: ·      Decades of experience and industry knowledge ·      Mentorship potential for younger team members ·      Stability and reliability ·      Strong professional networks What are your thoughts on leveraging late-career talent? Share your experiences below. #Hiring #ExperiencedProfessionals #CareerDevelopment

HAPPY DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY! Today I stumbled across SEVERAL candidates I placed that are celebrating their 10 year anniversary at that SAME employer! I often hear that paying an Executive Recruiter is expensive, but when you break down a fee over TEN years, was it expensive? You can hire anyone to post an ad and pray, but finding a talent partner that makes perfect pairings that LAST? That takes a Maverick! #recruiting #recruiter #accounting #finance #executivesearch

I wanted to take a moment to share how much I value the relationships I’ve built during my career. In the hustle of our daily tasks, it’s easy to forget how important these connections are. They’re not just colleagues; they’re friends who help us navigate challenges and celebrate our successes. After we’ve both moved on from the roles that brought us together, our new roles have us working alongside each other again. Here’s to the friendships that make work feel a little less like work. 💖 Jenn Hayne #relationships #connections

🌟 Embracing Bonds and Farewells: A Reflection on Connection in the Workplace 💼💔 Yesterday marked the farewell of a dear colleague, a moment that always creates a mix of emotions for me. It's a reminder of the Continuum of time, with its blend of highs and lows, joys and challenges. Yet, as my colleague bid adieu to our organization, my heart felt heavy. 💔 In these moments, I'm reminded of the bonds we forge through shared experiences, laughter, and hard work. Each farewell serves as a thing to the connections we've built, the lessons we've learned, and the memories we've created together. 🤝📈💭 Joining farewell calls is never easy for me. I find myself with a flood of emotions, reflecting on the impact of each individual who has crossed paths with me during our professional journey. It's true, we spend a significant portion of our lives in the workplace, collaborating, learning, and growing together. 🕊️🤔 While some may argue that colleagues are not friends, I beg to differ. In my eyes, every person brings their unique essence to the table, striving to do their best and contribute positively to the collective journey. It's about empathy, understanding, and seeing the world through each other's eyes. 👀🌍❤️ As I bid farewell to my colleague, I'm reminded of the words of Saint Dnyaneshwar: "The entire world is one family." It's a reminder of our shared humanity, transcending the boundaries of titles and roles. 🌐💬 Moving forward, I pledge to continue embracing the goodness within me, extending a helping hand to my colleagues whenever needed. I'll cherish the connections I've made, always remembering that we're humans first, employees second. 🤲✨ Let's celebrate the bonds we've formed, the lessons we've learned, and the growth we've experienced together. Here's to the next chapter, filled with new beginnings, but never forgetting the invaluable connections we've forged along the way. #WorkplaceConnections #Farewell #EmbraceBonds #HumanityInWork #ProfessionalGrowth #Careerswitch #Endeavors #Newjob🌟💼🤝💕

I logged into LinkedIn this morning, as I do every single day, and not only did I have a message from a ⭐ legend ⭐ in the talent acquisition profession, but I also had a note congratulating me on celebrating 🎉 17 years on LinkedIn! I first learned about LinkedIn during a job interview with Anthony Scarpino—who hired me into my first official employer brand role at Sodexo, despite my lack of knowledge about it! I'm fairly certain he was one of my first connections. I was curious about LinkedIn’s timeline to see where my join date landed. When did you join LinkedIn? #SocialRecruiting #SocialMedia #EmployerBrand #Recruitmentmarketing #personalbrand

As we welcome another beautiful Thursday, I find myself immersed in a deep sense of gratitude for the journey and the incredible opportunities this role as a recruiter has presented. In the spirit of #ThankfulThursdays, I'd love to share a few facets of my job for which I'm thankful. ◾ The Power of Connections - Every day, I'm afforded the chance to connect with talented individuals from diverse backgrounds and industries. The stories they share and the dreams they chase inspire me. These connections aren't just professional; they often grow into meaningful relationships that enrich my understanding and perspective on the vast tapestry of the workforce. ◾ Impactful Work - Being a recruiter means being at the crossroads of change and ambition. It's incredibly fulfilling to play a part in someone's career journey, whether it's helping them land their dream job or offering advice that sparks a moment of clarity and confidence. The impact of these moments goes beyond professional success; they touch lives. ◾ Continuous Learning - The constant evolution of the job market and recruitment strategies keeps me on my toes. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn, grow, and refine my approach. This perpetual growth is something I treasure deeply. ◾ Our Team - I'm thankful for the brilliant and supportive team I work with. Their dedication, creativity, and compassion create an environment where challenges become achievements, and setbacks turn into learning opportunities. We celebrate our successes and learn from our mistakes together, always moving forward. ◾ Our Candidates and Clients - Last but certainly not least, my gratitude extends to the talented candidates and the visionary clients we serve. Your trust empowers us to do our best work. Your feedback fuels our growth, and your success stories are our greatest reward. Here's to making thankfulness a habit, not just on Thursdays, but every day. What are you thankful for today? #ThankfulThursdays #Gratitude #RecruiterLife #ConnectingTalent #Teamwork

This week I celebrated my 5 year anniversary at R2R Global and naturally it gave me a chance to reflect on my time in the world of recruitment to recruitment. In our Monday morning sales meeting our Global MD Matthew Gostelow asked me for one piece of advice that I’d give our team after 5 years in the business and nearly 10 years in the industry as a whole. There are more than a few lessons I can share and endless war stories but the biggest piece of advice I would give someone starting out in the recruitment industry is to never be afraid of feeling uncomfortable! Embrace it. Take on scary new challenges because that’s when you grow the most both professionally and personally. I joined R2R right at the start as the firm’s third hire and I’ve watched the business grow into a team of 30 placing candidates all around the world. I spearheaded the launch and growth of a brand new business in R2R NYC, built multiple practices from scratch on both sides of the Atlantic and have trained and developed teams of exceptional people. Every time I’ve tried something new, there’s always been that feeling of anxiety and nervousness that comes with taking on any big challenge. But what I can say is it’s been an incredible journey over the last 5 years. We’ve never shied away from taking risks and definitely haven’t stayed within our comfort zone! And whilst there’s always going to be ups and downs, I’m so glad we’ve taken those risks because we wouldn’t be where we are today without doing so. So that’s my one piece of advice after a decade in the industry – get comfortable feeling uncomfortable!