by Optimum
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by Optimum
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In every great team, there’s someone who quietly gets things done, someone who doesn’t ask for the spotlight but absolutely deserves it. For me, that person is Grace.
Grace has worked with me—put up with me, really—for nearly six years. Over that time, we’ve built a working relationship grounded in mutual respect, shared humour, and a deep understanding of each other’s strengths. She’s not just a colleague. She’s the kind of teammate who makes everything (and everyone) better.
A Masterclass in Flexibility
Grace’s versatility never ceases to amaze me. Over the years, she’s worked with different consultants across multiple teams, supporting an incredibly broad mix of clients and job types. Whether she’s recruiting for a technical IT role, a niche project support role, or something in between, she adapts quickly, learns fast, and gets results. And all the while, she’s been steadily deepening her expertise in IT recruitment—a space where deep understanding and agility make all the difference.
Unshakeable Positivity
Recruitment can be challenging. Life can be even more so. But no matter what’s going on, Grace shows up with a smile. Her “can-do” attitude isn’t just something she says—it’s something she lives. She finds the silver lining, keeps moving forward, and somehow lifts everyone around her in the process.
The Gift of Connection
Grace has a rare gift: she connects with people. Really connects. Whether she’s speaking with a senior manager or someone at the start of their career, she brings warmth, empathy, and genuine curiosity to every conversation. That ability to relate to people from all walks of life isn’t something you can teach—it’s just who she is. And it’s one of the reasons candidates (and clients) trust her so quickly.
Super Talent
Grace is a seriously talented recruiter. She has an instinct for identifying great candidates—especially the ones others struggle to find. But what makes her exceptional isn’t just her sourcing skill or her confidence on the phone (which are both excellent). It’s that she treats every person she speaks to like a whole human being—not just a potential placement. She takes the time to understand their goals, their motivations, and the bigger picture of their career. That kind of recruiter isn’t just filling roles—they’re building futures.
A Sense of Mischief (and Fun)
Grace brings fun to work. She’s got that cheeky sense of humour that lightens the load on tough days, and she’s not afraid to be herself—which makes the people around her feel comfortable being themselves, too.
The Reliable One
There are some people you just know you can count on. Grace is one of those people. She complements my skills by excelling at the things I’m not so good at—and she does the same for everyone she works with. She’s one of those key players every company needs: the dependable, talented, kind-hearted “go-to” person who you trust implicitly.
Grace, thank you! You do more than keep things running smoothly. You keep me going. You really are my saving Grace.
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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