As I take the next step in my career by joining Catalyst Partners, I’ve found myself reflecting on the journey that led me here, from aspiring professional golfer to recruitment consultant in the HR Reward and Analytics space. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day demands of work, but every so often, it’s worth reflecting on how far we’ve come and where we’re heading.
My story begins on the fairways of Georgia Southwestern State University, where I competed on a golf scholarship alongside some of the best amateur golfers in the world. Graduating and returning to the Southeast of England, I was determined to pursue professional golf. In 2018, I played the qualifying event for one of the UK’s professional tours, making it through regional qualifying but narrowly missing out at the final stage.
That moment was a turning point. I took time to reflect and realised something important: after 20 years devoted to the game, I no longer loved it. What had once been a passion was now feeling like a chore. It was a difficult truth to face, but also a liberating one. I knew it was time to explore a new path.
Maths had always been a strength of mine, so I began applying for roles in finance. Despite several interviews, I struggled to gain traction and just as I was beginning to lose heart, I received a message on LinkedIn from a recruiter. At the time, I had little understanding of what recruiters did. But I agreed to meet for a coffee, and that meeting changed everything.
That recruiter didn’t try to push me into a role. Instead, they took the time to understand me: my background, my skills, and most importantly, my values. Through that conversation, we uncovered that I was detail-oriented, passionate about helping people, and driven by values like trust, loyalty, and honesty. The recruiter suggested I consider a career in recruitment myself. It wasn’t something I had ever imagined, but it made sense.
Fast forward five years, and I’ve built a career I’m proud of in the recruitment industry, specialising in Reward and Analytics. I’ve had the privilege of supporting professionals as they navigate their own career journeys, and I’ve come to deeply value the relationships I’ve built along the way.
The Reward market is a niche space – small, specialised, and not where many recruiters choose to focus. But for me, that’s part of the appeal. I’ve developed a deep understanding of what these professionals do and built genuine friendships along the way. I’ve attended and contributed to numerous Reward events and roundtables, and I plan to host many more in the future. I’m always keen to hear from my network about the hot topics in their world, what events and discussions are resonating? What challenges are emerging? Let me know!
A good recruiter is more than just a job-filler. They are a trusted advisor, a sounding board, and a long-term partner. Whether someone is actively looking for a new role or simply exploring their options, a recruiter should be there to provide insight, market knowledge, and honest advice. When the time comes to make a move, a strong recruiter relationship can make all the difference: from preparing for interviews and negotiating offers to handing in notice and settling into a new role.
As I begin this new chapter at Catalyst Partners, I’m excited about what lies ahead, continuing to nurture existing relationships and laying the foundations for new ones. I’m also grateful for the journey that brought me here. From the golf course to the world of recruitment, it’s been an unexpected path, but one that’s taught me the value of reflection and the power of human connection.
If you’re working in Reward and Analytics – whether you’re curious about the market, considering a career move, or looking to grow your team – I’d love to connect. Recruitment has always been about building genuine relationships and sharing honest advice, so even if you’re not actively looking right now, I’m always up for a conversation about where the industry is heading.
