NuStaff

International Women’s Day is a moment to reflect on the people and experiences that shape our careers. This year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” is a powerful reminder that when people give their time, encouragement and belief in others, the impact can be life-changing.

For Michelle Lacey, Key Account Director at NuStaff, two mentors played a defining role in helping her build the confidence and experience that led to the career she has today.

Looking back, Michelle credits their support with opening doors she may never have walked through on her own.

The Power of Someone Seeing Your Potential

Early in Michelle’s career, she walked into Brook Street Bureau simply looking for a short-term role while she was home from London for a few weeks.

What happened next changed everything.

As Michelle spoke with a consultant about potential interim work, Branch Manager Ruth Hussey overheard their conversation and saw something more.

Ruth approached Michelle and asked whether she would consider a role within the business itself.

The opportunity was appealing, a chance to join as a recruitment consultant and fast-track towards becoming a Branch Manager, with Ruth mentoring her along the way.

Michelle accepted the offer and it proved to be a defining decision.

“Ruth was a superb mentor who had done every facet of recruitment herself,” Michelle recalls. “Like many others, I owe so much to her.”

Under Ruth’s guidance, Michelle gained invaluable insight into the recruitment industry, building the foundations of the career she would go on to develop.

Sadly, Ruth is no longer with us, but her influence remains a lasting part of Michelle’s professional journey.

Gaining Confidence Through Opportunity

Another key mentor came later in Michelle’s career while she was working at BT/Openreach.

Starting out as an advisor in the repair centre in Cardiff, Michelle worked her way up to become a coach and was encouraged to apply for a Team Manager role in the Newport call centre.

It was here she began working closely with Bob Challocombe, Operations Director at Openreach.

With Bob’s support and mentorship, Michelle was exposed to different areas of the organisation and given opportunities to get involved in project work across the business.

These experiences helped her develop new skills and crucially, build confidence.

When a Contact Centre Manager position became available in Newport, Michelle initially doubted whether she was ready, but Bob believed otherwise.

“He encouraged me to apply,” Michelle says.

And she got the role.

Michelle went on to spend several successful years with BT/Openreach, continuing to grow and develop as a leader.

The True Meaning of Give to Gain

Michelle’s story perfectly reflects the spirit of Give to Gain.

Ruth and Bob both gave something incredibly valuable: their time, their guidance and their belief. In doing so, they helped Michelle gain confidence, experience and opportunities that shaped her career.

Today, as a Key Account Director at NuStaff, Michelle continues that cycle by supporting colleagues, clients and candidates, helping others grow in the same way she once did.

Mentorship doesn’t always come through formal programmes. Often, it comes through simple acts: someone noticing potential, offering encouragement, or giving someone the confidence to take the next step.

And sometimes, that belief is all it takes to change a career forever.

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the people who give their time so others can gain opportunity, confidence and success.