Meet the Team: Sam

 

What’s something people would never guess about you?

I’m training to be a psychotherapist! I used to be in a rock band and hung out with the chuckle brothers when I was an usher at a theatre!

 

How did you get into recruitment?

As a failed actor and musician, I sort of fell into it, really! After Uni, I was still figuring out what I wanted to do, and I started interviewing for all kinds of marketing and PR-type jobs. I landed an interview with an agency called Macpeople at the time on their graduate programme where the lovely Zoe Harter (now at EdenMarsh) interviewed me, and the rest is history. I seemed to be quite good at it and loved the people I worked with. I had loads of amazing opportunities throughout my career, such as moving cities and countries, so I feel very lucky.

 

Who did you want to be as a kid?

A vet. But my maths teacher told me I wasn’t clever enough and I, unfortunately, believed him.

 

What is your most unusual talent or skill?

Hmmm… I’m pretty boring, really! I started to learn to play the piano when I hit 40. I know that’s not particularly unusual, but neither am I.

 

How do you spend your time outside of work?

At the moment, I’m studying and volunteering for the NHS as a psychotherapist, but when I get any downtime, I love to read, play the piano and watch films with my daughter and partner.

 

What achievements are you proud of?

I’m proud of going back to college to do something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I was proud of myself when I graduated back in 2003. I was proud when my partner and I moved all the way out to Australia when I was 28 years old to start a business. I’m proud of myself for deciding to set up EdenMarsh, as although it’s been one of the toughest things I’ve done, it’s given me great opportunities. I’m also really proud of the team at EdenMarsh. Some of us go back a very long time; I’m happy we’ve all stuck together. Of course, it goes without saying that I’m always super proud of my daughter Eden, but I can’t REALLY say that’s my achievement.…can I? I just did, I suppose 🙂

What were you like as a kid?

Well, my siblings and mother may have a different version of me in mind. I reckon they would likely say I was a right ‘mard ar*e’. I was pretty creative and imaginative, I loved sports, and I loved my mates. I really enjoyed school. Some may say a bit of a swot, and they’d be right because I love to learn. I loved drama, so I joined lots of clubs and did lots of shows and plays, which I really enjoyed.

 

What’s the most awkward thing that happens to you on a regular basis?

I’ve broken my ankle like six times. Is that regular? I fall a lot, pretty clumsy, really.

 

What movie or TV show do you rewatch often and why?

I don’t like to rewatch stuff, really. However, I rewatched Friends recently as my daughter wanted to see it, and I have e watched certain films like Never Ending Story, The Goonies and all the Rocky ones because they are my faves and I try to get my daughter to like them with me!

 

What’s your music taste?

I like the sound of blues and jazz, and I’ve been getting more into classical recently. When I was young, I was an indie kid and also loved heavy rock.

 

What’s the last thing you’ve read or a podcast you’ve listened to?

I’m reading ‘My Name is Red’ by Orhan Pamuk at the mo.

 

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Watching Gogglebox, probably!

 

Who is your celebrity crush?

So many, but if I really had to pick one, it would be Tom Hardy…no wait, Ryan Gosling… hang on, maybe Hugh Jackman. I used to LOVE Kevin Bacon.

 

Tell me about your favourite memory from your life… 

Holding my baby daughter one night when we were alone in the hospital after I’d just had her. I was singing to her. It must have been about 3 am, and I was rocking her to sleep.

 

What’s the wildest thing you’ve ever done?

Too wild to publish here! I’m the flippin MD, for crying out loud.

 

If you could travel to any year in a time machine, what year would you choose and why?

Right back before humans, I want to see what it would be like without people!

 

What are three items on your bucket list?

Get a dog. Travel for at least six months. Spend a month off-grid in the mountains or summit.

 

What’s your favourite food of all time?

Crumpets.

 

What’s the weirdest thing in your closet?

Not sure I should answer that.

 

What game or reality show would you like to be a guest on?

Hunger Games.

 

What was the silliest mistake you’ve ever made at work?

So many to mention, but when Zoe Harter and I set up the telephone system in our new EdenMarsh office, it was like one big slapstick comedy… but you had to be there, really. Lol.

 

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Do not take yourself too seriously, and always do the right thing.

 

What’s your favourite thing about working in recruitment?

The variety and opportunities which often arise.

 

What advice would you like to give to our candidates searching for jobs?

It’s not all about skills and experience. Be friendly and open. MOST companies want to hire good-natured and easy-going people as most of us want the same thing…to feel happy; psychologically safe.