Fibrus People spotlight November 2023 Q&A

• Name:  

Emma Wilson

• Job title: 

Head of Recruitment 

• Where are you from? 

I was born in Belfast, spent 12 years living in Glasgow for university and work and returned to Belfast 15 years ago. 

• What do you like to do in your free time?/ When are you at your happiest?  

I’m a very proud dog Mum and love getting Ralph out for long walks, regardless of the weather! He has a natural ability to find (and roll in) anything mucky or smelly.  I’ve discovered that dog walking is a really sociable activity and love that I get chatting to other dog walkers and have conversations I’d otherwise never have had.   

• What are you passionate about? E.g charity work, extra curricular, spending time with family.  

My family and friends are the most important part of my life.  Although my twin sister and big sister both live in Scotland, we see each other regularly and I have two nieces and two nephews who are amazing, great fun and make us all very proud.  They’re also great at keeping things real – my niece kindly asked me recently “when are you getting your roots done” as I had lots of grey hairs!  I’m also fortunate to have a wonderful group of friends, some of which I’ve known since my first day at primary school.  I’ve learnt that surrounding yourself with people who add value and positivity to your life is everything.

• What’s something you saw recently that made you smile/laugh?  

I was visiting my sister and I noticed that my niece (she’s 9) takes so much time and pride in making her bed – such a simple thing but it really made me smile as I believe you should take pride in everything you do, no matter how small. 

• How do you like to wind down from your day? 

I think it’s important to look after yourself, especially if it’s been a particularly tough day.  A catch up with a friend, lighting the fire and watching a Christmas movie (can’t beat that this time of year), getting out for a walk or having a glass of wine while doing a bit of housework!   

• What does your typical day in Fibrus look like? 

The joy of working in Recruitment means that no one day is the same.  Some days can be focused on recruiting for key roles for our business, chatting to applicants and conducting interviews.  The next could be working on our strategy, procedural or policy planning, reporting or catching up with the team on a one to one basis.  I’m fortunate to have a wonderful team who are supportive and truly passionate about what they do.  

• What’s a work-related accomplishment that you’re really proud of? 

Fibrus have won so many business awards over the past couple of years right across our business. Being able to contribute in any small way to the success we’ve seen so far as a team makes me incredibly proud. 

• What’s your go-to productivity trick? 

Do the things that you enjoy the least first!  Get the ‘less fun’ work out of the way first and then you can focus on the tasks that you find most enjoyable.  Also never be afraid to ask for help whether you’re unsure about what you’re doing, have too much to do or just need a sounding board – no one should ever feel alone. 

• What led you to this career? 

I happened upon Recruitment when I was taking a year out in Australia after university.  I worked on Reception for a small recruitment agency in Sydney and when I saw what the consultants were doing, I thought I can do that!  So, when I returned from my travels, I phoned round the local recruitment agencies, managed to get a job as a trainee Recruitment Consultant and have developed my career from there. 

• What motivates you at work? 

People! Whether it’s the team I work in, our internal stakeholders or the applicants that may soon become our colleagues, I love talking about Fibrus, supporting the team and helping to add to the wonderful colleague base we have here.  The people in Fibrus are what makes it the place it is.  

• What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from? 

Never assume – it’s makes an ‘ass’ out of ‘u’ and ‘me’.  That was advice from my A Level Economics teacher and it’s always stayed with me as a reminder to listen, ask questions and never be afraid to ask for help. 

• What’s your earliest memory? 

I have a rubbish memory but remember milk and Rich Tea biscuits in nursery school! 

• If you could choose a superpower, what would it be? 

To fly!  I have a recurring dream where I fly – randomly my flight style is doing breast-stroke through the air which must come from my swimming days during school!  I think the ability to just up and fly away to somewhere new would be amazing. 

• What’s the top destination on your must-visit list? 

There are a lot of places further afield that I’d love to visit however I’m determined over the next couple of years to see more of Ireland.  I’ve travelled a lot over the years but haven’t explored half of the beautiful places we have right on our doorstep.