As one of Carbon60's wonderful Women in Leadership, Faye Jackson – Head of Specialist Markets – inspires people within her team and across our wider organisations every day.
In this blog, Faye shares her insight on what makes a great leader, her journey as a woman making her way in the world of work, and what females following in her footsteps can do to become a great leader in the future too.
Can you share a bit about your career journey and what led you to your current role?
I’ve been working in engineering recruitment now for over 20 years, and have so far been with Carbon60 for 13 of those years.
I started with the company as a Consultant and have worked my way up through the ranks to my current role of Head of Specialist Markets. Throughout my journey i've focused on being a '360' - someone who has wide ranging knowledge and the ability to offer expertise and guidance to candidates, clients and those who I work with every day.
How did you develop a passion for the recruitment industry (and your specialised sector/s) and what keeps you engaged in these fields?
My parents were both software engineers, so when I started in recruitment that was an area that I gravitated towards naturally. But during my career so far, i've become interested in so many different areas and specialisms, due to the exposure to them and working so closely with people within different industries.
And what keeps me engaged is really enjoy working with people and seeing how we can change people’s lives by supporting them with getting a new role that they really want.
What part of your role excites you the most?
There are two things that excite me the most during my day-to-day...
One is getting out and seeing customers, speaking with them and seeing what they do and how they do it. It is a privilege to get to do that. The other is being able to offer someone a role they really want, and seeing what it means to them and the difference it can make to them.
Who or what has been the most significant influence in your professional life and how has it helped shaped your career?
I'm very lucky to work with a team of people who inspire me every day. The management team in particular have always enabled to me to be the very best version of myself, and driven me to do the very best I can every single day.
What drives and motivates you in your leadership role?
Seeing my team being successful really drives me, and I am so motivated to help them grow and move forward in their careers.
Recruitment can be a tough industry and environment, but it can be very rewarding too. Success enables people to really improve their lives i.e. buying houses, cars they want, nice holidays and achieving various goals.
My success is to see them being successful. It means a lot.
How do you balance the demands of your professional and personal life?
At home I am fortunate to have a very supportive husband who has always helped me achieve what i've wanted to achieve. And in my working life, I am lucky to be part of a company that allows me the flexibility to ensure that I am able to balance the pressures of work and home life.
How do you inspire and influence your team and colleagues around you?
By doing what I am asking them to do. My role is a hands-on role still so I ensure that I am doing the same tasks that I am expecting and needing my team and colleagues to do. I think it is so important to ensure you are always leading by example.
What advice would you give to women who aspire to leadership positions?
Simply... Go for it!
Don’t be put off if you feel that your industry is male dominated, if there is something you want to do and achieve, work hard, prove yourself and go and get it.
What do you believe are the most important qualities for a successful leader?
Being clear in direction and about my expectations, and always being approachable, empathetic and available whenever someone needs me.
2025’s International Women’s Day theme is '#AccelerateAction’. What does this mean to you?
It is extremely important to not only continue to impart knowledge for future generations, which is something I strive to do, but to accelerate providing such knowledge, insight and guidance, and providing opportunities to talented, driven females.
Can you share a memorable experience or achievement from your career that has significantly impacted your approach to leadership?
Being awarded Perm Consultant of the year 2 years in a row – this has enabled me to show others how it can be done.
