It’s a relatively typical Monday morning in Sussex, birds singing, radio on and yesterday’s Oscar winners being announced. But what does typical mean in any community in April 2021?

I’ve been considering how developments in thinking and changes in fashion have impacted our assessments of people’s suitability to join our businesses …

There are some happy golfers sitting in the sunshine this afternoon wondering how they will ever get out of their chairs again …

Another great conversation and suddenly I find myself talking about how young people will get to experience different professions or occupations before making their final career choices this year.

Taking candidate experience to the next level is something we can all do, whether that’s as organisations, business leaders or individuals. I’m including job seekers as well as employers and their recruitment partners.

How’s your year going so far? Today it’s drizzling, it’s chilly yet it’s bright at the same time. It wasn’t long before I concluded that, “at the same time bright” is my 2021 vision.

What have you learned about yourself this year? I’ve learned that writing is extremely relaxing, as well as enjoyable. Thanks to everyone who’s liked, commented or messaged me …

That’s a wrap … for this Saturday afternoon at least. The earlier sunshine was inviting and enticed us outside. The Autumn leaves seemed even more resplendent than ever this morning. Yes, it was definitely time for a mug of Yorkshire brew and some deadheading or cutting back.

I am going to write and publish a book., “How To Be The Best Candidate You Know How To Be, Every Single Time”. It’s been whirring around in my head for a while and the positive feedback on my blog stories has been the catalyst for this reality check.

I wanted to write something upbeat this morning to encourage us all to think a little differently about ourselves and our strengths to balance the disappointment of redundancies effective 31st October.

I’m proud of my knowledge and I’m proud of my skills, although it’s my personality that brings these qualities together and creates my strengths. It’s like adding a twist of lime to make my drink zing.

Recruitment doesn’t need to be difficult, yet so many hiring managers put much energy into proving that the process hasn’t worked. It’s more than 25 years since I collected my first SHL certificate and began the extraordinary journey …

I love a good news story and there have been a couple today. A new job for one of my clients and a promotion at that. It’s not easy to be upbeat all of the time and my husband just reminded me to acknowledge my own philosophy to be positive, encouraging and …

You may be reading this as a business leader who values the strength and impact of heritage on your corporate culture or you may be at the leading edge of entrepreneurship and change. Either way, you’re likely to have encountered a few challenges …

Last week I laughed out loud at the Yorkshire Tea video which featured the social distancing tea pot – pure genius. The creativity reeled me in and let’s face it, who doesn’t love a cuppa while they’re working?

What a difference a year makes. This time last year I was coming to the end of an assignment with Gatwick Airport. I’d been promoting personal development planning, encouraging managers to find a little time each day for reflection on their performance.

There are some fabulously talented friends, clients and colleagues in my network who are seeking new roles. Like me, many have views on what a great CV achieves, how to prepare for an interview and what constitutes a positive candidate experience. Fortunately, we all add something positive to the debate …

My sense is that with a great big dollop of creativity and flexibility (in equal measure) we could get even more talented people back into work … I’m promoting a more holistic approach to resourcing and to recruitment.

The highs and lows of the market are taking their toll as previously successful leaders consider resourcing their businesses for the future. Makes sense doesn’t it, but what is the future? For some it’s simply about reducing costs …

I’m curious, courageous and creative, although I’m never going to be a fashion influencer or an investment angel. Come to think of it though, I did take … fashion by storm in the 70s … my wardrobe was crammed with remarkable and original styles from the 30s and 40s. To keep my look fresh, I … began to “buy to sell”.