Manchester-based Oscar brought Charlotte Humphries on-board just this year, responsible for Oscar Digital, which launched in summer.
Having helped launch the digital arm of the company, Charlotte helps media and marketing agencies find the best talent in search marketing and beyond, supporting some of the most influential and important brands as they grow their teams.
Humphries developed her skills at Sphere Digital Recruitment, and spent time on a secondment at MediaCom as a talent manager.
This week, we found out the things she’s learnt in her career.
Which single daily habit or practice could you not do without?
Some sort of exercise – whether it’s going for a run, a gym session or a yoga class, I need to do some exercise in the morning to wake myself up and make sure I’m fresh and ready to focus for the rest of the day.
What’s been your luckiest break?
Coming across the opportunity at Oscar to launch the digital brand. After being made redundant due to COVID, I took a step back to assess what I wanted to do next. I was hesitant to panic job hunt and apply anywhere and everywhere and was fortunate enough to be able to enjoy some time off and wait for the right opportunity.
After being involved in a regional office launch for my previous business and really enjoying building something new, I was reluctant to join a business that was already established in the digital space but I was wary of starting something too new in the economic climate.
The opportunity to join Oscar – a well-established technology recruitment company with a great business but with an eagerness to launch a digital brand and build a new part of the business – meant I found the perfect balance!
What’s your best failure?
Launching the Manchester office for my previous company. The office had been building well but the timing was unfortunate with COVID – however, I’m a big believer that everything happens for a reason and I wouldn’t have found the opportunity at Oscar if it weren’t for being made redundant.
What is the best investment you’ve ever made, either financial or time?
I think the best investment is always investing time in building out great relationships. People definitely buy from people so I think it’s important to focus on relationships and your long-term goals rather than being transactional.
Which book would you recommend others to read and why?
I’m not a huge fan of non-fiction. Reading is a huge pleasure of mine and is very much an escape from work so I tend to steer clear of business books and listen to podcasts for work instead. However if you’re looking for a great historical fiction novel I would always recommend ‘Fall of Giants’.
What one piece of advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
Believe in yourself! Your success isn’t because of luck or the other people around you but a result of your hard work. Stop thinking you’re out of your depth and start believing you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.
Who or what has had the single biggest influence on your working life?
My Dad. From a young age, he taught me the value of money and the importance of hard work. When we were on nice holidays or out for nice meals he always told us that if we like that lifestyle we’ll have to work hard. Him and my brother are also my absolute go to people for career and business advice.
Tell us something about you that would surprise people.
I speak French and Spanish after studying languages at University.
How will the Covid crisis change work for the better?
Remote and flexible working! I’ve seen so many businesses who are now open to hiring talent from all around the country to work remotely. I’ve also seen a lot more open-mindedness for people who want to work from home a couple of days a week. I think this is going to have a massive benefit for work/life balance and will make a big difference for working parents.
I also think everyone has had a chance to reflect and put their lives into perspective. We get so caught up in the day-to-day rush. I think COVID has allowed people to really think about what they want from their careers and their lives.
What does success look like to you?
Being able to provide a good lifestyle for myself and my family in the future, enjoying going into work every day, and being known as someone who is approachable and knowledgeable.
