Teresa Peacock is managing director, executive search, at maritime recruiters Spinnaker.
What was your earliest dream job?
When I was younger, I wanted to be a news broadcaster. I thought it was a route to meeting interesting people and travelling the world. Who would have thought I would do exactly that within my recruitment career!
What was your first job in recruitment and how did you come into it?
Almost by accident! I applied for a trainee manager role but the advert didn’t say it was in recruitment. I got the job and enjoyed it from day one.
Who is your role model – in life or in recruitment?
My father. He was a successful businessman and instilled in me a great work ethic. He taught me and my sisters that we could achieve anything – even in a world heavily biased towards men.
What do you love most about your current role?
The interesting people I meet. Shipping is so international, so I get to work all over the world and enjoy meeting people from different cultures. I still get a buzz from placing someone in a job they are excited about.
What would you consider to be the most brilliant moment of your career?
When I did an HBO and subsequent trade sale of The Locum Group. All the hard work paid off! I had never done anything like that before but luckily was part of a supportive management team that worked to great success. Working with talented people and being there for one another is extremely important; a collaborative team can achieve far more than any individual.
”Working with talented people and being there for one another is extremely important”
Laugh or cry, what did your most memorable candidate make you want to do and why?
A candidate who would only accept a job in the Middle East if they would also relocate her pet rabbit from Australia. They agreed and the rabbit was safely reunited with its owner! There have also been frustrations with candidates turning down roles for unexpected reasons. It shows the importance of probing people on their motivations at the outset. This avoids ‘back to square one’ scenarios, which are frustrating for you and your client.
What would you regard as your signature tune?
Nina Simone, Feeling Good. Every day is a new day, and amazing things can happen. Feel good about yourself and the rest follows.
What was your sanity go-to during Covid-19 and various lockdowns?
A nice glass of red wine! On a more serious note, my two adult children were at home during lockdown, which made life fun. Spending time as a family helped keep us sane. We’d get dressed up and have celebratory dinner parties for different occasions – from a graduation to birthdays and Halloween!
What did you learn about yourself during the pandemic?
I have always lived my life at a frantic pace, but the pandemic definitely forced me to slow down – occasionally!
Teresa Peacock spoke with Roisin Woolnough | recruiter.co.uk
