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In this episode of Recruitment Leaders. Unlocked, Howard talks with Esme, Chief Executive of Affinity Workforce, who shares her remarkable 14-year journey from trainee consultant to group CEO. Overseeing 250 employees across 17 UK locations and four education recruitment brands, Esme reveals her strategies for maintaining culture across multiple brands, balancing immediate business needs with long-term vision, and retaining high-performing talent without sacrificing company values.
Key topics include:
• Managing growth while preserving brand identities
• Creating a flexible yet focused business plan
• Building a value-led hiring and retention strategy
• Why big billers don’t get special treatment
• The role of technology in education recruitment
• Finding the balance between innovation and human connection
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction and Background
02:23 – Career Journey and Growth
04:57 – Company Culture and Values
06:38 – Strategic Planning and Flexibility
11:41 – Talent Management and Recruitment
20:11 – Technology and Innovation
26:22 – Brand Identity and Market Position
31:41 – Personal Development and Leadership
36:56 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts perfect for recruitment leaders managing multi-site operations or planning expansion through acquisition.
Esme’s authentic leadership approach and commitment to ethical recruitment partnerships offer valuable insights for agencies of all sizes.
#RecruitmentLeadership #ScalingRecruitment #MultiBrandManagement #EducationRecruitment #TalentRetention
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