Inspirational Women – Julia Robertson – MD – Tate

Julia Robertson is the Managing Director of Tate Recruitment. Tate recruitment has 21 offices and have been running since 1985. Tate Recruitment has been voted by the Sunday Times as ‘Best Companies to work for’ in 2007 and 2008. Tate achieved the coveted ‘Two Star Status’, which means it has been graded as ‘outstanding’. We managed to find time with Julia to share some of her experience and views.

Why did you take this career path and how did you get to where you are today?

I “fell into” recruitment when I was 19, and in my first company learnt everything about “how not to do it”  I promised myself that if I ever had the opportunity to run my own recruitment business, or change the recruitment industry – I would. That was back in 1978 – and I have got to where I am today by sticking to my principles and working hard!

What is the best thing about working at your company?

We really do what we say we are going to do.  And we believe in our business, from top to bottom.

What has been the biggest challenge working at your level?

Getting used to corporate life, delivering on what the business needs whilst not losing my entrepreneurial style and effectiveness.

What do you do to relax and obtain a life balance?

I don’t take myself too seriously.  The house needs cleaning and the garden needs weeding – therapeutic I find.

How do you manage your time?

I get everything done, but I make sure I am not a slave to convention.

Can you share any tips with other members?

Be true to yourself – look yourself in the mirror and ask yourself – ‘Did I do anything today that doesn’t sit well with my value system?’  If you did, learn from it (and say sorry).

The City has had some significant changes over the last 6 months, how does this effect you and your staff?

Every bit of business is hard to win and hard to keep.  Hard work and determination will keep us in the game.

For those members who are looking at moving roles or trying to obtain a new job, is there any inside tips that when working with a agency, that will give them the best opportunity to be successful?

Be honest, realistic and do what you say you are going to do.