Michelle Simpson
Michelle Simpson on meaningful relationships
For the last 14 years, Michelle Simpson has successfully run a specialist recruitment business in the North East. Her years of experience have taught her the importance of creating meaningful relationships with customers, as well as having a team that makes work enjoyable and light-hearted. Michelle spoke to Pattern about her career in the recruitment industry and the rituals she’s adopted to strike a work-life balance.
Edited by Ruby Guyler Photographs by Christopher Owens
Give me a brief history of your career.
My career started within the financial services industry selling pensions and insurance products. I quickly realised that I had a flair for engaging with people but that I was best suited to a role in the professional services B2B market, away from direct selling. My next move into commercial recruitment was ideal for this and I can absolutely say that I haven’t looked back!
I’ve now been in the professional services recruitment industry for over 25 years, with the last 14 years spent running my own recruitment consultancy. I’m a frequent business networker and a qualified HR professional who understands the value of people in business.
Tell me about Michelle Simpson HR Recruitment Ltd. What do you attribute to your success?
We’re a specialist recruitment business that supplies HR professionals to all business sectors, both public and private, across the North East. The business is moving into its 14th year and is continuing to grow steadily.
The success of the business can be attributed to a few things. First of all, we’re industry experts; our team has in-depth industry experience which allows us to truly understand the roles that we’re recruiting for. We have a strong team bond where we respect and support each other, and this filters through to the high service levels that our customers receive.
And finally, the relationships we build with our clients are meaningful, enjoyable and are for the long term.
What do you love most about what you do every day?
I’m passionate about developing relationships with people that are long lasting and meaningful. Long-term relationships are essential to the success of our business, and I’m lucky to have a role which allows me to directly communicate with like-minded professionals within an industry I believe in!
Have you had to make sacrifices in your chosen career, and have they been worth it?
In any career, there will inevitably be decisions that will change your focus in life. It’s important to ensure that you have a realistic plan for anything you want in your life, whether that be personal or in business. If you make too many personal sacrifices, the love for what you do will eventually wane, turning into resentment that only leaves you with the financial outputs. A balance can be made. I wouldn’t say I’ve made sacrifices as such, I’ve just ensured that I have an agile plan in place to ensure that I get what I want out of life!
What are some daily rituals and why are they part of your routine?
I actively try to avoid doing the same thing every day, as I thrive on variety. However, I do enjoy a nicely made cup of coffee every morning! The smell, along with the ritual of making it, really does mentally prepare me for the start of the day, whether it’s a working one or not.
“Having a great team to work alongside often provides healthy distractions, reminding us to laugh, enjoy each other and not take ourselves too seriously
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What does work-life balance look like for you?
I enjoy what I do, so I don’t resent time at work if a late finish is required to get the job done. I have an active social calendar which encompasses both business and personal engagements, and I thrive on meeting people. Even if it’s a work commitment, it never feels that way for me! I do ensure that my diary includes time for personal activities and relaxation. Even my trips to the gym are in the diary!
How do you stay focused in a world of distractions?
I have clear daily objectives which I make sure are realistic. Keeping fit and eating healthy allows me to feel less tired, and as a result I’m able to focus more when there are distractions. Having a great team to work alongside often provides healthy distractions though, reminding us to laugh, enjoy each other and not take ourselves too seriously!
If you had the power to change the world, what would you change?
I want to live in a world where people are kind to one another. It sounds simplistic and idealistic, but I don’t think we should be apathetic about how genuine kindness can positively change the outlook of us all.
Find out more at Michelle Simpson HR
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