by Optimum
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by Optimum
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Career Defining Moments – Maddi’s Bold Career Move
Moving to a new city is one thing. Moving to a new city and stepping into a brand-new career? That’s a whole different challenge. But that’s exactly what Maddi Carroll did. She left behind a promising career in Melbourne’s commercial projects and maintenance industry, packed her bags for Brisbane, and embarked on a fresh journey in recruitment and consulting services. And she didn’t just dip her toes in—she jumped straight into a leadership role.
Maddi first came to Optimum Consulting through a referral, hoping we could help her find the right role with one of our clients. But during her interview with Alicia, one of our founding managers, the conversation changed tack when Alicia asked, “Have you ever thought about a career in recruitment?”
In the spirit of embracing change, Maddi seized the opportunity to switch careers. And we seized the opportunity to bring her on board, drawn to her outstanding interpersonal skills, infectious energy, and natural leadership ability.
Navigating the Doubts
Maddi’s approach to new challenges is to throw herself in wholeheartedly, and recruitment was no exception. She embraced the training, put her skills to work, and quickly started making an impact. The transition felt natural—until it didn’t.
As the weeks passed, Maddi began to notice that some of the roles she was filling didn’t excite her. The initial rush of learning something new started to fade, and she found herself questioning: Can I do this job? Do I even enjoy it?
Doubt is a familiar companion on any new path, but Maddi wasn’t about to let it win.
Discovering Her Passion
Being a Recruiter and Team Leader means juggling many roles—networker, business developer, negotiator, problem-solver, and career coach, to name a few. At Optimum, we recruit across a vast range of industries, and finding the right fit for each consultant is a journey in itself.
For Maddi, her initial focus was on recruiting for accounts and customer service roles. But something was missing. The work didn’t ignite her enthusiasm.
An open and honest conversation with her manager led to a challenge: What if she identified and approached companies Optimum hadn’t worked with before, in industries she was passionate about?
And that’s when everything changed.
Maddi shifted her focus to construction and civil engineering, industries she had always been drawn to. Suddenly, she was full of energy again—excited to connect with prospective clients, eager to step outside the office and immerse herself in their world.
Thriving in Her Element
It’s clear now—Maddi has found her thing.
Every day, she’s deepening her expertise, building relationships, and growing into her role. Seeing her passion reignited has been incredible, and we have no doubt that she’ll achieve amazing things in 2025 and beyond.
Keep pushing forward, Maddi. You got this!
Ben Walsh
General Manager, Recruitment
Ben is General Manager – Recruitment at Optimum Consulting Group, an Australian employment advisory firm. He has been actively recruiting and managing teams for over twenty years, with industry experience gained in Australia, Canada and Ireland.
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