What was your path into recruitment - how did you get started?

I hadn't planned on building a career in this industry. Still, recruitment was something I was always interested in - just because of the interaction with people and also, I like the idea of helping people realise their full potential. Maximising what their total worth is, what they know, and leveraging that in the market.

I wouldn't say the choice was a career aspiration at the time, I didn't say as a kid "I want to be a recruitment consultant" - it was just, the opportunity arose, and I took it with both hands.

You came to recruitment as a graduate; what were you studying?

I did Marketing and Finance at Bournemouth University. Originally I had planned to finish my education after my A-levels and get into the 'working world'. However, I quickly realised that the opportunities in my hometown were limited and also, the recession had just hit - so the market was even smaller.

That first year in recruitment, what was it like for you?

I certainly realised that recruitment is not a job, it's a lifestyle. Marcus echoed that in my first week; the most successful people who get the most out of the job, are the folks that live it, breathe it and really enjoy the social interaction, bespoke business hours and opportunity to build your own business within an organisation. That first year was definitely a rollercoaster - from what my perception of recruitment would have been compared to what it actually is. The level of dedication needed to be successful became quickly very, very apparent. It was definitely a baptism of fire experience.

Why are the people and our culture at Caspian One, so vital to you?

In a recruitment business, your most prized asset is the market network, knowledge and relationships of recruiters; being able to leverage such a vast amount of experience in one organisation. In addition, being able to approach anyone no matter of seniority or length of service, knowing that they will truly help to the best of their abilities - is refreshing.

How has a career at Caspian One impacted your larger world, beyond the business?

It's afforded me a standard of living that would be otherwise unobtainable in many other industries, being unique in that - what you put in is what you get out (with no glass ceilings). It has also allowed me to meet people from all over the world, experiencing new cultures, ways of working and business relationships. Most rewardingly, it's enabled me to help real people flourish in their careers. I have been here for close to a decade now and a lot of 'junior' people I placed nine years ago are now running large teams and various other things.