Can you describe your career path and how you came to work in your current position and industry?

I started with Macmillan Education, which is a subsidiary of Springer Nature, in 2019 in a more HR generalist role, but still specialising in talent acquisition. In 2022, there was a global alignment of HR roles, and I moved into my Talent Attraction role for the UK and MENA, which was great because I joined a larger team.

What are some of the key skills or attitudes you need to have in your role?

I would say:

1. Effective Communication: Clear, persuasive communication with candidates and hiring managers.
2. Interpersonal Skills: Building trust and relationships with candidates and working closely with hiring managers.
3. Time Management: Efficiently managing multiple candidates and positions.
4. Agility: Being able to adapt to new situations and characters is very important

Did you have any role models or mentors who helped you to achieve your goals or overcome any challenges you faced?

Yes, I've had so many in my time here. The one that best comes to mind is the HR Director for the Middle East, Millicent Sibeko. She has been a great mentor to me since I arrived. I've learnt a lot of valuable lessons from her on how to face really difficult situations and how to best grow my skills. I have a more reserved/introverted character and sometimes find it hard to take credit for the great work I've done or even diminish its importance. It's been great to have someone who celebrates my wins and has encouraged me to more confidently acknowledge them.

How do you ensure you are continuing to grow and learn at a leadership or senior level?

Continuing to grow and learn at a senior level I believe involves a combination of intentional practices and a proactive mindset. It also means seeking feedback from colleagues, team members and superiors so you can gain valuable insight. I also try to stay current and updated on new industry trends in my region so I'm never left behind and instead can share my knowledge with others.

You've been at Springer Nature for over 4 years, what are some of the factors that have encouraged your loyalty to the company?

Firstly, it’s the amount of support I receive daily and how approachable everyone has been. It's easy to share experiences with everyone on every level here.

Secondly the work life balance has been great. In my time here I've had a child and gotten married and have time to be very active in my family's life. This is something I was never able to do previously as work demands reached far into my personal time and life.

Why did you choose your career in Talent Attraction?

I love people! I noticed early on that I have a keen interest in people and knew I wanted to get into a career where I get to interact with people every day. I studied a Bachelor of Commerce Degree majoring in Human Resources and Industrial Psychology and very quickly got absorbed into a recruitment environment after graduating. The rest is history!

Explain the three biggest highlights/milestones of your career.

• Moving into the UK and the MENA Talent Attraction Team
• Completing a huge Southern Africa CAPS project, which involved hiring a large number of specialists spread across 5 departments.
• Being so active in the DEI space for Africa and the UK. I'm learning so much and I love it.

Upskilling is a key component in anyone’s career. What measures have you taken to enhance your skills?

I often go on recruitment related and labour relations training so I'm up to date with trends. I also have a number of courses and certificates under my belt that help in my day to day life.

The world is changing as we know it, higher education is no longer the only route into certain careers, what is your advice to those who have taken a non-traditional path into their chosen fields?

For those who have taken a non-traditional path into their chosen fields, here is some advice to help navigate and succeed in their careers:

• Embrace Your Unique Perspective: Recognise that your non-traditional background brings a fresh perspective and diverse set of skills to your field. Embrace this uniqueness and use it as a strength.
• Highlight Your Transferable Skills: Identify and emphasise the skills you've gained from your non-traditional experiences. These skills can be just as valuable, if not more so, than those acquired through formal education.
• Continuously Learn and Upskill: Stay committed to learning and self-improvement. Seek out workshops, online courses, certifications, and other opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills.
• Build a Strong Network: Networking is crucial for career success. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and connect with colleagues and mentors who can provide guidance and support.
• Seek Mentorship and Guidance: Find mentors or advisors who can offer insights and help navigate the challenges of your chosen field. They can provide valuable advice based on their own experiences.
• Showcase Your Achievements and Projects: Provide concrete examples of your achievements, projects, and contributions. This demonstrates your capabilities and showcases what you bring to the table.

What does success ultimately look like to you?

Having grown in my chosen career path, and being a loving and involved mother/wife.

Our mission at BYP is to change the Black narrative. What does changing the Black narrative look like to you?

Changing the Black narrative involves shifting the prevailing societal perceptions, stereotypes, and biases that have historically marginalised and misrepresented Black individuals and communities. It encompasses several key elements like Diverse and nuanced representation, combatting stereotypes and prejudices and promoting cultural appreciation.

I'm of the belief that Encouraging an understanding and appreciation of Black culture, history, and contributions to society. This includes recognising the rich cultural heritage and significant influence of Black communities globally.

Do you have daily actions you take to help change the Black narrative within or outside your establishment?

I'm in a great position to help change the black narrative by promoting diversity and inclusion in hiring, I highlight success stories and role models and even some of my own. My team also advocates for inclusive policies and practices.

Lastly, what are your key takeaways for our network members?

I love how forward-thinking and active they are in the community. We have always realised how influential each of us is in the community around us, and I love how this is showcased by BYP