Empowering women in recruitment: highlights from the HER Recruitment Network event

The recruitment industry is fast-paced, competitive, and often demanding - but for women, it can come with an additional set of challenges.

From navigating leadership roles in male-dominated environments to balancing data-driven decision-making with the human side of management, women in recruitment continue to break barriers, redefine success, and pave the way for future leaders.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, Lizzie Louis, our Managing Director and Head of the Early Careers and Corporate Finance & M&A teams, took to the stage as a panellist at the inaugural HER Recruitment Network event. It was an evening designed to build connections and empower women by championing professional growth and personal success, creating a platform to address the unique challenges and opportunities women face in the industry.

Lizzie’s journey in recruitment began over a decade ago when she joined as an Associate. Her dedication to learning and pushing beyond her comfort zone over and over has made Lizzie an expert in her field, achieving the role of Managing Director where she plays a pivotal role in championing the Classroom to Boardroom business model. Her focus on building long-term relationships with candidates and clients has shaped the careers of individuals and teams, and influenced industry best practices from creating equal opportunities in recruitment. She is a driving force for positive change, making her insights invaluable at this event.

The panel explored overcoming imposter syndrome, motivating teams, and balancing the human side of leadership. The discussion was both engaging and thought-provoking, offering attendees actionable takeaways to implement in their own careers. 

Key takeaways from the panel

Every career path is unique, but imposter syndrome is universal

Many leaders experience self-doubt at some point, but it’s important to recognise it as a natural part of growth rather than a barrier. Developing self-awareness, seeking mentorship, and reframing negative thoughts can help overcome imposter syndrome and build confidence in leadership roles. Remember, you are not an imposter. You earnt your seat at the table.

The recruitment rut is real

When team members struggle, managers often feel responsible. The key is identifying what truly motivates individuals to help them regain momentum. Instead of taking sole ownership of an employee’s struggles, effective leaders engage in open dialogue, provide tailored support, and recognise that motivation is personal and varies from person to person.

Radical candour is a powerful leadership tool

Effective leadership requires honesty delivered with empathy, ensuring that feedback encourages growth rather than discouragement. Radical candour helps leaders provide clear and direct feedback while showing genuine care for their team, creating an environment of trust and continuous improvement.

Management is both an art and a science

Data-driven insights are invaluable, but successful leadership also demands adaptability and an understanding of individual team dynamics. While numbers and performance metrics guide decision-making, great managers also rely on intuition, emotional intelligence, and personal connections to lead their teams effectively.

Leading without losing touch

Management doesn’t mean you stop doing the work and put down your tools. Leading by example can be key, which means that you need to know how to do the job well, be able to step into situations, stay informed about market trends and offer insights.

Empowerment through trust

Delegating and building trust involves providing space for team members to self-reflect, try, and fail in a safe environment. Instead of giving answers, great managers coach and guide direct reports to solve problems independently.

Mastering difficult conversations is crucial

Many professionals, particularly women, struggle with pushing back, giving constructive feedback, and negotiating their own compensation. Developing the confidence and skill to navigate these conversations effectively is a key step towards becoming a strong leader. Practising assertive communication, preparing for tough discussions, and focusing on solutions rather than problems can make these interactions more productive and less intimidating.

Male leaders play a vital role in fostering inclusivity

CEOs and managers should create leadership environments where women feel genuinely welcome, valued, and empowered to contribute confidently. Building an inclusive culture means ensuring that leadership meetings are not only accessible to women but also designed in a way that encourages their active participation and voices.

From ME to WE

Your success is tied to the success of your team, requiring a shift from personal performance to collective achievement. This adjustment can be challenging in an industry which is so often focused on individual performance and tangible results.

A step towards a more inclusive industry

The HER Recruitment Network event highlights the importance of mentorship, open dialogue, and fostering inclusive workplace cultures. By creating spaces where women can share their experiences, learn from one another, and build confidence in their leadership abilities, the industry as a whole stands to benefit.

A huge congratulations to Lizzie Louis for representing our team and sharing her expertise with the next generation of leaders. Ready to take your own journey toward leadership success? If you’re inspired to grow, break barriers, and make an impact, explore our opportunities and join a team that champions your success. Your leadership journey starts here.