More Than Just a Job: What Four Decades in the Workforce Has Taught Me

There comes a moment in every career when the chase slows down. The late nights, the sprints for promotion, the relentless drive, it gives way to something more reflective. For many, this happens towards retirement. For me, it’s come after three decades in tourism, hospitality and now, recruitment, search and workforce strategy. And it’s given me a front-row seat to the changing nature of work, leadership, and success.

I’m not finished yet not by a long shot, but I’ve been around long enough to see some patterns clearly.

The people who thrive in their careers? It’s rarely just about technical expertise. They show up with energy. They communicate well. They take ownership. They don’t wait to be asked they lean in. These aren’t necessarily things you learn at uni or during formal training. They often start at home, in childhood. Traits like honesty, fairness, curiosity, and yes being pleasant to work with count for far more than most people realise.

As a recruiter, I’ve always believed in hiring for attitude and training for skill. You can teach someone a system or process. It’s much harder to teach self-awareness, emotional intelligence or genuine enthusiasm.

Leadership, too, has evolved. When I started my career in the 1990s, the dominant style was “command and control” structured, rigid, hierarchical. Many leaders had a military-style approach to management. Over time, that’s shifted. The best leaders I see now are empathetic, inclusive, and adaptable. They’re not afraid to show vulnerability or to connect on a human level. It’s no longer just about giving direction it’s about building trust.

Back in the ’90s, there was a popular saying: Work smarter, not harder. I used to think why not both? The high performers I’ve encountered do both. They’re strategic and they work hard. Often, their work becomes part of their identity not just what they do, but who they are. That has its upsides, but also its risks. It’s easy to become consumed.

So, here’s a lesson I often share with candidates and mentees: build your career around something that genuinely interests you but don’t forget to build a life around it too. We are more than our job titles.

When I was a teenager, I didn’t know that someone like me could carve out a space in the world of work. No one at my school was talking about roles like talent acquisition, EVP consulting, recruitment or organisational culture. But I loved stories. I was always curious about people, about what made them tick, about how society worked. It turns out there was a place for that.

To the early-career professionals reading this: your personality is an asset. Learn how to communicate with confidence. Be able to reference outcomes, data, examples. Learn the language of value know how to express your ideas in a way that resonates with others.

And don’t be afraid to show some flair. Replace “I reckon” with “My view is”. Ask thoughtful questions, not just to be noticed, but to understand. And once in a while, crack a joke in a meeting. It changes the atmosphere and makes you memorable.

There’s space in the workforce for all kinds of people. Sometimes, it just takes a little time and the right moment for others to see what you bring to the table.