Life at AQ with Claire Carter

At Anderson Quigley, we often talk about what we do, and as our company grows, we also want to share who we are. This series will showcase our team members, introducing their roles and what life at AQ is like.

You can learn more about our team here,?and if you'd like to be part of that team, you can find out more here.

1. Which aspect of your role do you feel the most excited about?

Playing matchmaker! The thrill of connecting clients with exceptional talent – this is what I am most excited about.?

At AQ, the heartbeat of my work lies in forging connections between clients and outstanding talent. The aspect of my role that truly ignites my passion is the opportunity to delve into the vast pool of remarkable interim managers out there. Each candidate carries a unique set of skills and talents, and I find immense joy in uncovering their potential and matching it with my client’s needs.

It's not just about filling a position; it's about creating partnerships that make sense, going beyond the surface to ensure a good fit for both parties, an assignment that adds value to a candidate’s career and an engagement that improves a client's position.?

2. Since you joined AQ, how has your career been developed by the business? How have you been able to grow over the last year?

"Instead of trying to change the flower, change the environment in which it grows."

Joining AQ has been a pivotal chapter in my professional journey. This quote comes to mind when I look back on the last 5 years. I believe my success is down to the environment and culture that surrounds me. AQ encourage hands-on learning, and I've thrived in an environment that values initiative and innovation. It’s a psychologically safe place to work and, with this, brings a huge creative landscape for people to contribute to the direction of travel.

In addition, AQ's presence in the Higher Education market has significantly deepened my understanding of this complex and evolving landscape. This exposure has been instrumental in refining my strategic thinking and honing my ability to navigate the intricacies of the HE market.

3. AQ’s tagline is “Supporting people & organisations for a better society”. How do you see this playing out in the day-to-day?

AQ's tagline, "supporting people & organisations for a better society," is not just a slogan; it's woven into the fabric of our daily operations. The commitment to a better society manifests in various ways. Did you know that we will be starting a new scheme in March where we will contribute to environmental well-being by planting a set of trees for every placement we make? This tangible action reflects our dedication to making a positive impact beyond the professional realm.

Our commitment extends to sustainability and social responsibility, influencing the decisions we make on a daily basis. Whether it's adopting eco-friendly practices, supporting community initiatives, or ensuring ethical sourcing, AQ's tagline serves as a compass guiding our actions. It instils a profound sense of purpose in our work, reminding us that every effort contributes to the broader goal of creating a better society.

4. Many companies adopted hybrid working in response to the pandemic, but AQ was created with hybrid-working policies and practices in place, how have those policies enabled you to achieve a stronger work-life balance?

AQ's hybrid working policies have been a game-changer for my work-life balance. The flexibility to work remotely or from the office has allowed me to tailor my schedule as a new mum. It's not just about having the option to work remotely. It's also about how you are made to feel. You are trusted, your personal commitments are respected, and you are supported to achieve more than just professional goals.? ?

I wholeheartedly believe that this approach has not only boosted my productivity but has also significantly elevated my overall well-being. It's a living testament to AQ's forward-thinking mindset, setting the bar for workplace excellence.

5. After 24 years in this industry, what keeps you motivated?

Have I really been in recruitment for that long? Time flies!

But you know what keeps me motivated? It's the same spark that excited me about my job from day one, and that hasn't changed. The thrill of connecting exceptional talent with great opportunities, witnessing the impact of those matches, and constantly adapting to the dynamic nature of the industry – that's what keeps the fire burning. It's not just a job; it's a passion that has stood the test of time.

You can learn more about Claire, including how to contact her here.