Spotlight On: Martha Maurice-Smith ??

Martha Maurice-Smith is a Principal Consultant in the Delivery team at Newman Stewart. We sat down with her to find out more about her career to date, onboarding in a pandemic, and how she's settled into a new city.

Originally born in Solihull, West Midlands, I moved up north in 2017 to study BSc Psychology at the University of Sheffield. I was intrigued by the subject at sixth form and without a long-term plan, I decided to embrace the university experience and study something I was going to enjoy. I loved it! The appreciation of people, our behaviours - the ‘why’ and ‘how’ - fascinated me and created a deeper interest in learning about people.

I completed my university experience during 2020’s first lockdown. With the majority of my household experiencing furlough and embracing the sunny weather, it was a challenge... But I succeeded with a 2:1 to show for it. With my other part-time jobs taking a backseat, I turned full-time to Facilities Management, allowing key workers to do what they needed to, safely and keeping me working hard 6am-6pm.

The job application process was also challenging, less jobs, more competition and uncertainty meant I had to focus. Recruitment appealed due to my interest in, and natural affinity to others, combined with my Psychology degree. Then, the stars aligned; I got the callback from Newman Stewart and made arrangements to move to Leeds, during lockdown number 3 in 2021.

Starting remotely as an Associate Consultant in February 2021 was a new challenge for the team, but easy for me due to my initiative, interest in learning the ropes, and dedication to making this work.

My success comes from two things:

1. I am motivated by service and diligence. I want to provide an exceptional and recommendable service to all who engage with me. ?
2. I love understanding people’s why. Their situations, their motivations and what could elevate their career. Matching these together with clients’ opportunities is incredibly rewarding.

On the whole, my achievements come from my sense of openness to new opportunities. Not having an ultimate goal has allowed me to explore myself and what works for me. My intuition guides my progression while I learn, so the master plan will be based on experience and taking the right chance at the right time. Until then, I bring a positive and can-do energy to everything I do, both inside and outside of work.

Anything else? I've recently bought a property in Leeds, so I have committed to the Yorkshire life (amongst my favourite people). I’m also subject to a compulsive need to be outdoors and explore the greenery and city life where we live. I’m learning to play the piano, I love to travel and finally training for Total Warrior in the summer!

If you're interested in exploring a career in recruitment, please get in touch at [email protected].