Guest Blog: Cathy Wells - People and Culture Director, UKI, Europe & Australia

Starting a new role can be both thrilling and challenging. Starting a new role in a recruitment business is a whole new level of challenging!

Having left a recruitment business after 15 years’ service, vowing never to return to the sector as I had had enough, and instead wanting a more sedate, gentle paced working life, I soon realised that I missed the pace and, dare I say the drama, of recruitment, so I applied for and was lucky enough to get the role of People & Culture Director here at Harvey Nash.

In this role I look after the employee engagement, culture and development in the talent solutions part of our business in the UK, Ireland, mainland Europe and Australia. I also look after the Group functions in the UK.

How it’s been going

I’m now 4 months in and it’s been a whirlwind of learning, adapting, and celebrating small victories! Here's a glimpse into the exciting journey of my initial tenure:

• Navigating the Learning Curve:  Having a background in recruitment I thought I would  have no problem just jumping back in, but the first few weeks felt like a crash course in understanding the ins and outs of our organisation. From familiarising myself with our company culture to getting to know each team member, every day was a chance to learn something new.
• Building Relationships: One of the most rewarding aspects of these four months has been connecting with the incredible people that make our company tick. Building relationships with colleagues, employees and management has been a priority. Open and honest communication has been the cornerstone of these connections.
• Culture Transformation: Creating a positive workplace culture has always been a personal mission. It was so refreshing to see that there was already a huge drive from everyone in promoting a culture of inclusivity and transparency, so it's been a joy to join a workplace that is already working to evolve into a more vibrant and harmonious environment.
• Challenges and Growth: Of course, no journey is without its challenges. Handling sensitive employee matters and adapting to ever-changing industry trends have pushed me to grow both personally and professionally. These challenges have been opportunities for learning and improvement.
• Looking Ahead: As I reflect on these first four months, I'm excited about the journey ahead. There's so much more to accomplish. The role of a People Director is dynamic, and I'm committed to continuously innovating and driving positive change within our organization.

In conclusion, my first four months as People & Culture Director have been amazing!

While there have been challenges, they've only fuelled my determination to make sure our company remains a great place to work. I’m looking forward to the future and the many more successes and transformations to come.

Thank you for making me so welcome and here's to the next chapter!