Women in Leadership: What career advice would you give to your younger self?

At Barrington James, we take immense pride in the remarkable women who drive success within our organization. We recently sat down with a handful of these accomplished professionals to discuss their career journeys, the lessons they’ve learned, and their advice for those looking to build a career in recruitment. Their insights offer a powerful blend of encouragement, resilience, and wisdom—perfect for anyone looking to thrive in this fast-paced industry.

Words of Wisdom from Women in Recruitment

💡 “Ask for help and progression sooner, don’t wait for someone else to recognize talent and push you outside of your comfort zone. Believe in yourself more and analyze yourself more often.”

Self-advocacy is key in any career, but particularly in recruitment, where confidence and initiative make all the difference. Instead of waiting for recognition, be proactive in seeking out growth opportunities. Trust in your abilities and take the time to reflect on your strengths and areas for improvement—because the best investment you can make is in yourself.

💡 “Don’t take life so seriously. You’ll learn from each difficulty and come out stronger for it. Also, don’t be afraid to be yourself.”

Setbacks are part of the journey, but how you respond to them shapes your future. Embrace challenges as learning experiences, and remember that authenticity is your greatest asset. The recruitment industry thrives on personal connections, so don’t be afraid to show your true self—this is what will set you apart and make you a standout professional.

💡 “It’s okay to try and fail at things, you don’t need to know exactly what you want to do – every single position you have will benefit you in some way and you will learn things from them and develop yourself.”

Career paths are rarely linear, and that’s okay. Every role you take on contributes to your development, whether it’s refining a skill, expanding your network, or strengthening your resilience. Recruitment, like any field, is a journey of continuous learning—so embrace the process and trust that every experience is shaping your success.

💡 “Stop beating yourself up over the mistakes you have made! If it wasn’t for those mistakes, you wouldn’t have learned and grown into a successful recruitment businesswoman, and you would not be as strong as you are now.”

Mistakes are not failures—they are stepping stones to growth. Many successful professionals look back and realize that their biggest lessons came from the challenges they faced. Instead of dwelling on setbacks, use them as fuel to push forward with even greater determination and resilience.

Championing Women in Recruitment

At Barrington James, we are committed to celebrating the achievements of women within our business while also challenging outdated stigmas surrounding women in recruitment and high-performance roles. We believe that success should be accessible to everyone, and we are dedicated to fostering an environment where talent and ambition are recognized and nurtured.

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from the incredible women at Barrington James. Whether you’re just starting out in recruitment or looking to take your career to the next level, their experiences and advice serve as a testament to what’s possible with hard work, confidence, and a willingness to embrace every challenge.