Introducing #JGStories

We are very excited to announce our new initiative at Joyce Guiness – #JGStories.  The idea for this came from the fact that recruitment is still, advances in technology notwithstanding, a people business and really knowing what makes people tick is key to what we do.  With that, over the next few months, we are going to lift the lid on the JG team’s lives (given they spend their time delving into their candidates’ lives as they look to match them to the perfect role!).   Alongside that, we are also going to focus on some of our lovely clients (so we can find out more about what they get up to when they are not in the office…), as well as some of the talented candidates we have placed to find out how they are doing and if they have any advice for anyone looking for a role in their industry.

So, to start the ball rolling, we decided to sit our MD, Pip Cox, down and discover a few things about her – as well as covering what it is like running a business and being a mum.  We hope you will enjoy #JGStories and please do feel free to send us your comments or questions.  Alongside that, if you are a candidate or client and you are happy to be featured – please do let us know!

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I have to say this isn’t a question that I embraced as I still don’t know what I want to do when I grow up…. When does someone grow up anyway?!  However, and not to sound too clichéd, I always knew I wanted to work with people as I find it interesting finding out about people and what makes them tick. Nowadays I have a passion for interior design and I think it would be amazing to do something in this industry but I don’t think I would be very good!

How do you cope being an MD and a Mum?

I think you have to be organised and disciplined to get this right.  It is a tricky combination and you need a network of lovely people around you including other mums and work colleagues.  I am very lucky to have both.

It can sometimes be a difficult transition coming home from an important client meeting and then having to switch and play games with a 6-year old!  You have to be able to adapt well and be able to leave whatever is playing on your mind on the doorstep when you enter the house or work…. I love being a Mum but I also do love working at Joyce Guiness.  I have a very loyal team who I really enjoy working with and who understand that I have a family that I need to spend quality time with.  Alongside that,  Joyce Guiness is also my family and a very important part of my life.  I have some fabulous long-standing clients and candidates – some of whom I have known for over 15 years having helped them find their first job in London and who now use Joyce Guiness to hire their staff!

When at home you definitely need to know when to put your mobile down and concentrate on family time.  I work three days a week in the office and two days at home which means I can do the school run and take my daughter to after school clubs.  It’s as important for me as it is for her to know that I am around at home.  Organisation is key – making sure I’ve packed all the relevant stuff for sleepovers or after school clubs whilst ensuring I’ve got the relevant documents for a client meeting and that they haven’t been popped into a 6 yr old’s school bag (this has yet to happen!)

In essence, it works but it is thanks mainly to the fab team at JG and of course my family!

Your favourite TV box set?

Oh gosh, this is a tough one as there seem to be some amazing things on at the moment.  I did really enjoy Glow – it’s my sense of humour and is only 30 mins long so perfect as I am not that great at sitting still for long!