Celebrating Women in Leadership: An Interview with Sherree Norval

We are proud to have strong female leaders guiding our teams. One such leader is Sherree Norval, our Business Manager, who has made an incredible impact through her leadership, determination, and passion for recruitment. We had the privilege of speaking with Sherree about her career journey, her inspirations, and her advice for future female leaders.

Q: What inspired you to pursue a leadership role in recruitment, and how do you empower other women to do the same?
A: I was always fascinated by how the right people in the right roles can transform an organisation. I remember hearing very early in my career, a company is only as good as the people it employs. Recruitment felt like the perfect intersection of people, strategy, and growth. I always liked the sound of the buzz, no two days are the same and you are making a difference to people’s lives for the better by placing them into jobs enabling them to support their families and passions. Over time, I realised that leadership in recruitment allows me to not only shape teams, but to also influence the culture of an organisation. As a woman working in recruitment, I’ve worked to grow my own career and of those around me, to make sure that women have a voice in the hiring process, both as candidates and as future leaders. I empower other women by creating opportunities for them to step into leadership roles, offering mentorship, and advocating for equal representation. It’s important to challenge stereotypes and build a supportive network that encourages women to strive for more and believe in their potential.

Q: Who has been an inspirational figure in your career, and why?
A: The Managing Director of a recruitment organisation I previously worked within was a woman who started in the industry in a temporary role and had such drive and determination to become a leader. It was very inspirational to watch her move her career throughout the organisation to become the MD of the UK division of a global organisation. I’m sure she held her own in the boardroom that was very male dominated. Not only that, she is a very personable individual, and as a female leader, she received the respect of everyone and knew not only your name, but those of your family and what was the drive behind every individual to come in and do the job they did every day! It was felt that as a female leader, the ‘heart’ had been put into the organisation.

Q: What advice would you give to future female leaders in the recruitment industry?
A: My advice would be to stay confident and be unapologetically ambitious. The recruitment industry can be competitive, and as a woman, you may face unique challenges, but that shouldn’t stop you. Build a strong network of supportive individuals, both men and women, who lift you up and challenge you to grow. Never underestimate the power of mentorship – find someone who believes in you and ask for guidance. Embrace failure as a learning opportunity and always push yourself outside of your comfort zone. Finally, always advocate for diversity and inclusion in every decision you make. As a future leader, you have the power to shape the industry and ensure that it becomes a more equitable and inclusive space for everyone.

Sherree's insights remind us of the importance of perseverance, authenticity, and continuous learning in leadership. Her journey serves as inspiration for women aspiring to grow in their careers and make a meaningful impact in their industries.

We celebrate all women who lead, inspire, and support one another. Let’s continue working towards a future where every woman has the opportunity to succeed.