What do you do at MRG?
I lead our University People brand, managing recruitment campaigns for professional services leadership appointments within Higher Education.
What are you most proud about that you have achieved in your career to date?
It’s not a specific thing that I am proud of, but more the fact that I feel so privileged to have been able to work with such amazing organisations over the years. Over my time in recruitment, I’ve met some really inspiring people and have worked with organisations that have real impact on people’s lives.
How did you get into recruitment, and why?
After graduating with a degree in Town Planning, I registered with a recruitment consultancy to start my job search. I got chatting to their MD and he ended up asking me whether I “Want to work with us until you find a job?” and ended up working there for 11 years.
Whilst I fell into it by accident, I quickly fell in love with recruitment and haven’t looked back.
What energises you about working in this sector?
The passion of the clients and candidates that I deal with. The commitment they have to their work, their institution and the sector as a whole is really quite inspiring.
What’s the biggest thing that’s changed in recruitment since you started?
Technology, massively. Technology has allowed us as search consultants to be much more inclusive and has widened our reach considerably. We are no longer relying on utilising our close networks and this has allowed us to search within much wider and diverse talent pools. When I first started, I would be reaching people through a weekly advert in a trade magazine, now there are so many more layers and channels of communication.
What do you think the biggest misconception people have about you is?
This is a hard one, I think I’m a bit of an open book. I like to think I am ‘take me as you find me’. Maybe some of my colleagues will read this though and think differently…
What’s one thing that most people don’t know about you?
I’m a keen gardener, which is befitting given my surname. We have two veggie patches at home and I find it incredibly satisfying cooking with and eating something I have grown myself. We’ve had some success with potatoes, carrots and beans in particular, however, there have also been some real disasters.
What’s the best advice anyone has every given you?
Honesty is the best policy – I believe you need to be as transparent as possible.
What three words would your colleagues use to describe you?
I would like to think Professional, Passionate and Enthusiastic.
And finally, who would play you in the movie about your life?
Kate Winslet would be amazing – we’re the same age and I would love to think there is some likeness there.
Get in touch with Sian for an informal chat about how she can help you and your recruitment needs.