• Trust Definition: to believe that someone is good and honest and will not harm you, or that something is safe and reliable. (Cambridge Dictionary). Trust – a simple 5 letter word that underpins our moral fibre. How can trust help across the employee life cycle? Optimum has 4 pillars to our business: Attract – trust […]

  • I caught up with a client last week who with much sadness informed that he had just been made redundant. He is a talented senior executive who spent 17 years with this organisation and it was a shock and unexpected. As the economy changes unfortunately redundancies are becoming more real.Being made redundant can be a […]

  • We’ve all heard the phrase “New Year, New Beginnings,” which may be interpreted differently depending on one’s situation; for some, it may imply changing habits, while others may see it as an opportunity to land a new job. Most notably, in the recruitment market, this is when most graduate openings are advertised. As a recent […]

  • In todays, fast-paced and ever-changing work environment, resilience has become a crucial skill for individuals and organisations to thrive. Resilience refers to the ability to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to change, and maintain a positive mindset in the face of adversity. It is a crucial factor in determining how well individuals and teams can […]

  • Let’s reflect and see what Nostradamus predicted back in 1555: with a 70% success rate it may be worth taking his predictions into account. 2024 according to him will bring climate chaos: “The dry earth will grow more parched…and there will be floods.” Australia has already witnessed both these events… He also predicted: “Combat and […]

  • 2023 has certainly flown, and in what feels like the blink of an eye we are now approaching the end of the year. Melbourne Cup is just around the corner and people’s thoughts are already turning towards Christmas. This is the time of year where in our professional lives it is easy to lose momentum, […]

  • If you are a business leader or people leader/manager there is one thing that will continue to happen. One word that some embrace; some fear; some are immune to, some are tired from it, some are excited by it….one thing is for sure – you can’t stop it! That word is CHANGE. A six letter, […]

  • Another Financial year is upon us!   A hectic time when budgets are negotiated, performance is reviewed, and strategies re-aligned. 2023/24 will, I am sure, see a major focus on people across our organisations especially as we are still experiencing labour shortages and a consistent increase in the cost of goods. Keeping the lights on […]

  • This is my first blog and if I am being honest, I’ve kind of dreaded doing it. A little insight into my backstory. I never considered the wonderful career of recruitment until about 5 months ago. I graduated with a Bachelor of Law and intended to work in a law firm and eventually practice. I […]

  • Some leaders know when it’s their time to move on, have done what they needed to do in their role and sense that it’s time to hand over the reins and let someone else lead. In global politics, those leaders can be counted on one hand! Self-aware leaders acknowledge when they are burning out and […]