With over a decade of experience in building progressive businesses, Joanne is passionate about creating inclusive work environments that encourage open, collaborative, and engaging processes.
Since taking the role of Managing Director in 2018, Joanne has been instrumental in introducing these values to Major Players & Arrows, pioneering industry-defining campaigns such as “Earn Your Worth” which championed fair pay for all. Most recently, Joanne led Major Players to achieve B Corp status in 2022.
Out of the office, Joanne lives these values as a transformational coach, working to explore people’s limiting beliefs and empowering them to implement positive transformation.
As a leader in recruitment and talent solutions, Joanne is passionate about her responsibility to lead and support organisations and individuals in navigating the future of work. This covers a wide range of topics including employee experience, technology, AI, digital transformation, sustainability, leadership and LGBTQIA inclusion.
Tell us a bit about yourself, background and your current role
I’m the Group Managing Director of Majar Group – a Talent Solutions business in the creative and tech space. Ever since entering the industry at 19 years old, I’ve been passionate about creative and digital recruitment.
With nearly 20 years of experience in building progressive businesses, I am dedicated to creating inclusive work environments that encourage open, collaborative, and engaging processes. I have loved furthering these values through industry-defining campaigns, like our “Earn Your Worth” initiative which champions fair play for all.
Did you ever sit down and plan your career?
The short answer no. The long answer is a little bit?
The traditional route of doing well at school, getting the right grades and going off to university didn’t ever really inspire me. I was always much more independent and entrepreneurial and had a big passion for working at an early age – getting my first job at 13 (making candles for a small shop in my local village). I left school as soon as I could and entered the workforce, where at 18 I got my first job as junior in a large recruitment business. This experience was a game-changer, as in this industry, I discovered a space where it was less about your education and more about your skills to create relationships, communicate well and engage with people on a personal level this married with my desire to succeed and graft, meant I had a bit of a light bulb moment where I realised that I could follow my passions and utilise my strengths and be successful! I’ve not looked back since.
Have you faced any challenges along the way?
Navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of work is an ongoing challenge and the pace of change is faster than ever, it’s our ability to continually adapt and stay resilient that is imperative.
Personally, I try to see challenges as an opportunity for experience and more importantly growth, I believe you always learn your biggest lessons during your toughest challenges.
What has been your biggest achievement to date?
One of my proudest achievements has been securing B Corp status for Major Players in 2022. I truly believe that businesses have a responsibility to do good and bring about lasting, meaningful change.
Attaining B Corp status not only resonates with my personal values but also provides us with a platform to consistently aim for improvement while placing people and the planet at the heart of what we do.
It really affirming to be part of a community of businesses that actively work to drive change and make a positive impact.
What one thing do you believe has been a major factor in you achieving success?
I think I am incredibly resilient and have a pretty unwavering determination and positivity. I learnt this from my mum, growing up in a single parent home, she really taught me about hard work, graft and from an early age I saw just how strong woman can be.
I define success as waking up each day feeling like I’m doing something that’s going to have a positive impact on people and their lives and some days you are going to make mistakes and some days are going to be tough but it’s about finding that resilience and motivation to try again! My mum really did role model that for me as a kid!
How do you feel about mentoring? Have you mentored anyone or are you someone’s mentee?
As you progress in your career and become more senior your direct peers lessen and having an objective, non-judgemental mentor who has experienced what you are going through and has the wisdom to guide and champion you is truly invaluable. I’ve been lucky enough to have had a few great mentors in my time and I am forever grateful to them for their wisdom.
I also think it’s incredibly important to pay it forward and I find being a mentor a very rewarding experience.
If you could change one thing to accelerate the pace of change for gender equality, what would it be?
There is a myriad of things that we can do to accelerate equality in the workplace. Whether that’s ensuring fair pay for all, ensure there is no bias in hiring processes and importantly ensuring you support those returning from maternity leave.
Many women opt to leave the industry after becoming mothers often due to the lack of support and flexibility offered by their employers.
If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
I would say believe in yourself and focus on your own journey, don’t compare yourself to others.
What is your next challenge and what are you hoping to achieve in the future?
Next year is about driving innovation and adaptability into our business by looking at how we can utilise AI and automation to improve the experience of our clients and candidates.
I want to continue our mission to be a business built for good, ensuring that we continue to support our people and communities; partnering with organisations and networks that continue to challenge our industries on representation and progression; and shaping the future of talent acquisition and work through our data and insights.
Read more from our inspirational women here.
